The Berenstain Bears and the Homework Hassle
The Berenstain Bears Series
on Goodreads (1,047)
What’s inside...
In this timely First Time Book, the Berenstains once again prove they have their paws on the pulse of America! Mama and Papa Bear are stunned when they receive a letter from Brother Bear's teacher. Even though Brother Bear sits down diligently every night with an open notebook, he has not been completing his homework assignments. After taking a closer look, Mama and Papa realize that there's a whole lot of competition going on for Brother's attention. He's watching TV, listening to his boom box, talking on the cell phone, and playing a video game. Join in the fun and learning as the subject of multimedia distraction is tackled with wit, wisdom, and aplomb. This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about personal responsibility and the importance of school!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Brother Bear learned about doing his homework on time?
How do you feel when you have a lot of homework to do, like Brother Bear?
Why do you think it's important to organize and take responsibility for your homework?
Do you think Brother Bear’s feelings changed from the beginning to the end of the story? How?
What would you do if you were in Brother Bear’s situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the importance of a regular homework routine and discuss how it can help manage their own homework.
Ask your child how they organize their schoolwork and discuss ways to improve or tweak their methods for better results.
Encourage empathy by discussing the emotions Brother Bear felt during the story, helping your child connect and express their own feelings about homework.
Use positive reinforcement to celebrate the lessons learned from the book, such as responsibility and time management.
Create a 'homework plan' together, inspired by the story, to make homework time more efficient and stress-free.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of being responsible when Brother Bear faces consequences for not doing his homework.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of completing their tasks, such as school assignments or chores, to avoid negative consequences.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Brother Bear learns to communicate his struggles with homework to his parents, which helps resolve his difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of discussing their problems with parents or teachers to find solutions together.
Example Lesson: Time Management
Explanation: The book addresses the concept of managing time effectively as Mama and Papa Bear help Brother Bear organize his schedule.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to prioritize their tasks and manage their time efficiently to balance play, homework, and other activities.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: Brother Bear learns to be honest about why he has been avoiding his homework, which helps in finding a solution to his problems.
Real-World Application: Children can see the benefits of being honest about their difficulties, which can lead to receiving the necessary help or guidance.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book shows how working together as a family can help solve problems, as seen when the Bear family collaborates to tackle Brother Bear's homework issues.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to seek help when needed and work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.