The Berenstain Bears and the Excuse Note (First Time Books(R))
The Berenstain Bears Series
on Goodreads (402)
What’s inside...
Sister Bear dislikes gym class so much that she takes advantage of a minor injury and sits on the sidelines instead. As far as Sister Bear is concerned, there’s a lot to like about school—her classmates, her teacher, and even the schoolwork. If it weren’t for gym class, things would be perfect. All those jumping jacks and deep knee bends make Sister hot, sweaty, and sore. But when a slight twist of fate gives her the chance to sit on the sidelines, Sister must decide whether to stretch the truth instead of her arms.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sister Bear
Mama Bear
Discussion points
Why do you think Sister Bear felt she needed to make excuses for not doing her homework?
How do you think honesty helps us in solving our problems?
What could Sister Bear have done differently when she felt overwhelmed?
How did the other characters react to Sister Bear’s excuses, and what can we learn from their reactions?
What does this story teach us about responsibility and asking for help?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, asking if they have ever faced similar situations.
Discuss the importance of honesty and the impact of making excuses with your child to deepen their understanding of the moral of the story.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings about the story, reinforcing a positive reading experience.
Use examples from the book to illustrate practical lessons about responsibility and problem-solving that can be applied in real life.
Keep the conversation light and engaging, allowing your child to express their opinions and draw conclusions in their own words.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: This story illustrates the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. Sister Bear learns the hard way that making excuses instead of owning up to her mistakes can complicate matters even more.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by acknowledging their mistakes and learning from them instead of shifting the blame to others or circumstances.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the value of honesty as Sister Bear discovers that being truthful saves her from more significant troubles. The relief and resolution that follow when she finally tells the truth reinforce this moral.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of honesty in their daily interactions and how it fosters trust and respect from others.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The book demonstrates how each action has a consequence, intended or not. Sister Bear experiences firsthand the negative outcomes of her dishonesty, leading her to a broader understanding of accountability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think ahead about the possible consequences of their actions, promoting better decision-making.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: As Sister Bear navigates the troubles brought on by her excuses, she learns valuable lessons. This emphasizes the educational aspect of errors, making them less daunting and more of a learning opportunity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to view their mistakes as chances to grow and improve, rather than reasons to give up or feel discouraged.