When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry… (Scholastic Bookshelf)
#1 in Sophie Series
on Goodreads (7,618)
What’s inside...
Everybody gets angry sometimes, and for children, it can be especially upsetting. This Caldecott Honor book explores how Sophie deals with her anger, providing a relatable and educational experience for young readers. Through engaging illustrations and a thoughtful narrative, the book encourages discussions among children, parents, and teachers about emotions and different ways to handle anger.
Discussion points
What do you think Sophie is feeling when she gets really, really angry?
Can you remember a time when you felt similar to Sophie? What helped you feel better?
Sophie runs to her favorite spot in the forest when she’s upset. Where do you like to go when you need to calm down?
How do you think Sophie's family felt when she was angry? What can we do to help each other when we're feeling angry?
What are some ways we can express our feelings without hurting others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about a time you were angry and what you did to calm down. This can help your child feel more comfortable opening up.
Acknowledge your child's feelings before moving into the discussion. This shows that their emotions are valid and important.
Encourage your child to think about the story from multiple perspectives. Ask how they think Sophie’s family might have felt during her outburst.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out visual cues of Sophie’s emotions. This can help your child recognize emotions in themselves and others.
Praise your child for sharing and being open during these discussions. This will reinforce the importance of sharing feelings and dealing with emotions constructively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Managing Emotions
Explanation: The story follows Sophie as she experiences intense anger and explores how she copes with these strong feelings in a constructive manner.
Real-World Application: Children can learn techniques to handle their emotions, such as taking a moment away from the situation, which can be applied when they feel overwhelmed or upset.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness
Explanation: Sophie's journey highlights the importance of self-reflection as she recognizes her feelings and understands the need to deal with them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their feelings and reactions, helping them to develop emotional intelligence from a young age.
Example Lesson: Importance of Nature in Healing
Explanation: In the story, Sophie runs to the forest where the natural surroundings calm her and help her regain her peace.
Real-World Application: Children learn the healing aspects of nature and how stepping outside can serve as a calming mechanism during times of distress.
Example Lesson: Resolution and Reconciliation
Explanation: After calming down, Sophie returns home ready to reconnect with her family, demonstrating the ability to recover from anger and restore relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships by communicating and reconnecting after disputes.