Social Emotional Learning For Kids: Benji, the Bad Day, and Me | Vooks Storytime
Summary
TLDRThe story revolves around Sammy, who has a tough day marked by mishaps and disappointments, and his autistic brother Benji, who finds solace in his 'box'. Despite their differences, they share a strong bond. Benji's unique way of comforting Sammy, by wrapping him in a blanket, mirrors the family's method of nurturing Benji. The narrative highlights the importance of understanding and embracing the individual needs of autistic children, while also celebrating the unbreakable bond between siblings.
Takeaways
- π The story revolves around a character named Sammy who has a bad day at school and home.
- π Sammy's mishaps include being yelled at for kicking a fence, missing his bus stop, and coming home hungry, cold, and wet.
- πΆ Sammy's brother, Benji, has a 'box' where he retreats when he has a bad day, a place that is cozy and safe.
- π¨ The box was made by Sammy, Benji, and their mother, symbolizing a collaborative family effort.
- πΆ Benji is portrayed as a young child who is possibly on the autism spectrum, with sensory sensitivities and specific behaviors.
- π€ Benji's family is understanding and supportive, modifying their behavior to accommodate his needs when he's upset.
- π Sammy feels neglected when he has a bad day, as no one seems to notice or offer him the same comfort as Benji.
- π₯£ Sammy's frustration escalates when he spills milk in the kitchen, leading to an emotional breakdown.
- π§ββοΈ Benji comes out of his box to comfort Sammy, using a familiar comforting routine of wrapping him in a blanket.
- π¨βπ¦βπ¦ The story highlights the bond between the two brothers and the importance of sibling support, regardless of the day's events.
- π The author's note emphasizes the individuality of children with autism and the diversity of their needs and behaviors.
Q & A
What is the main theme of the story?
-The main theme of the story is the bond between siblings, particularly focusing on the relationship between Sammy and his autistic brother Benji, and how they navigate through both good and bad days.
What incident at recess led to Sammy getting yelled at?
-Sammy got yelled at for kicking the fence during recess.
Why was Sammy upset at lunchtime?
-Sammy was upset because they ran out of his favorite pizza, so he didn't eat anything.
What happened on the bus ride home that added to Sammy's bad day?
-The bus driver missed Sammy's stop, forcing him to walk all the way back home in the rain.
What is the significance of Benji's box?
-Benji's box is a safe and cozy space where he can retreat to when he's had a bad day at preschool.
How does the family treat Benji when he's had a bad day?
-When Benji has a bad day, the family tiptoes and speaks softly around him, providing a calm environment.
What activity did Sammy and Benji do together to create the box?
-Sammy and Benji, with their mother's help, made the box together last summer. They cut the window flaps and painted it.
Why does Sammy wish he had a box like Benji's for his bad days?
-Sammy wishes he had a box like Benji's because he feels that no one pays attention to his feelings or provides a comforting space for him on his bad days.
What does the 'super happy lady' refer to in the story?
-The 'super happy lady' refers to a professional, possibly an occupational therapist, who Benji visits for help with coordination and sensory processing.
How does Benji comfort Sammy when he's upset?
-Benji comforts Sammy by wrapping him in his big blue blanket, similar to how their mother comforts Benji, and saying 'you're my little burrito'.
What message does the author's note convey about the portrayal of autism in the story?
-The author's note emphasizes that no two autistic children are alike, with different needs, behaviors, and ways of coping, and that the story's portrayal of Benji is just one example of the spectrum of autism.
What is the significance of the 'little burrito' phrase used by the mother?
-The phrase 'little burrito' is a term of endearment and comfort used by the mother when she wraps Benji in his blanket, symbolizing warmth, safety, and love.
How does the story illustrate the importance of sibling relationships?
-The story shows that despite the challenges and bad days, the bond between Sammy and Benji is strong and comforting, highlighting the importance of sibling relationships.
Outlines
π§οΈ A Day of Mishaps
The first paragraph introduces a series of unfortunate events that befall the narrator during a single day. Starting with getting reprimanded at recess for kicking the fence, followed by the disappointment of no pizza at lunch, and culminating in a missed bus stop that forces a walk home in the rain. The narrator feels neglected when compared to the attention given to Benji, the family's pet, who has his own 'box' for bad days. The family dynamics are highlighted, showing a contrast in how the narrator and Benji are treated when they experience bad days, and the narrator's desire for a similar comforting space.
π Comfort in a Blanket Burrito
In the second paragraph, the narrator's frustration peaks after a series of mishaps, including spilling milk in the kitchen. Benji, who has been observing from his safe space, decides to take action. He uses his blue blanket to create a comforting burrito wrap for the narrator, mimicking the nurturing actions of their mother. This gesture of empathy and care strengthens their sibling bond, as they find solace in each other's company. The author's note at the end provides insight into the inspiration behind the story, highlighting the different sensory experiences and needs of autistic children, and the importance of sibling relationships.
π An Invitation to Explore Books
The third paragraph is a promotional message encouraging the audience to explore a kid-safe, ad-free library of storybooks. The narrator shares a personal favorite story from the collection and urges others to ask their grown-ups to start exploring the platform. This paragraph serves as a call to action for children and parents to engage with the storytelling platform, promising an enriching and entertaining experience.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Bad Day
π‘Empathy
π‘Box
π‘Sensory Sensitivity
π‘Sibling Bond
π‘Autism
π‘Stimming
π‘Occupational Therapy
π‘Comfort
π‘Sibling Rivalry
π‘Resilience
Highlights
Benji has a bad day at preschool and retreats to his comforting box.
The family has a special way of dealing with bad days by creating a safe space.
Sammy experiences a series of unfortunate events during his day.
Sammy feels neglected when no one acknowledges his bad day.
The creation of Benji's box is a family project that brings them together.
Benji's box is described as a cozy and safe haven for him.
Sammy wishes for a similar box for his bad days but doesn't have one.
Benji's block city is a significant project that requires care and attention.
Sammy's desire to learn karate is hindered by scheduling conflicts.
The 'super happy lady' represents a necessary but tiring part of Benji's routine.
Sammy feels the absence of usual comforts like berry smoothies and burritos on this bad day.
Benji's unique way of comforting Sammy by wrapping him in a blanket.
The importance of sibling support is highlighted through their interactions.
The story emphasizes the individual needs and behaviors of autistic children.
The author's note provides insight into the inspiration behind the story.
The story concludes with a message about the enduring bond of siblings.
A promotion for the Books app, encouraging exploration of its storybook offerings.
Transcripts
[Music]
[Music]
benji the bad day
and me
[Music]
at recess i got yelled at for kicking
the fence
at lunch they ran out of my favorite
pizza
so i didn't eat
and on the bus home the driver missed my
stop
so i had to walk all the way back in the
rain
now i'm hungry
cold and wet what
[Music]
says mama as soon as i open the door
benji's playing in his box
when benji's in his box it's because
he's had a bad day at preschool
[Music]
when benji's had a bad day we tiptoe and
speak softly
when i've had a bad day
no one tiptoes or speaks softly
[Music]
benji mama and i made that box last
summer
[Music]
mama cut the window flaps and benji and
i splashed on the paint
[Music]
inside it's cozy and safe
[Music]
but only big enough for benji and his
blue blanket
huh
i sure wish i had a box for days like
this
[Music]
benji wiggles his fingers at me
hi benji
i say softly
benji's face appears
what sammy
benji says
samuel
says mama
there's water all over the floor
take your shoes off this instant
it's not my fault i had to walk all that
way in the rain
[Music]
[Applause]
benji's block city is spread all around
watch your step
mama says
benji's been working hard on that
[Music]
i know i helped i start to say
but mama's phone rings and she turns
away
i stick my tongue out at the box
i do my best karate kick high in the air
above benji's block city
i've always wanted to learn karate
mama says i can't right now because the
classes are on tuesdays
and that's when we have to visit the
super happy lady at benji's clinic
downtown
[Music]
let's bounce the ball
super happy lady likes to say
but benji never does
let's play a game
but bunji never plays
meanwhile i'm told to sit in the waiting
room and not bother anyone
[Music]
on super happy lady days we always get
back home tired
so mama will make berry smoothies to
help us feel better
[Music]
then she'll wrap benji tight in his big
blue blanket just how he likes
and tell him
you're my little burrito
[Music]
but today there are no berry smoothies
and no burritos
today mama is busy and benji is hiding
this day is just plain old rotten
thump goes the box
it's benji kicking around in there
hey i say
come out and i'll teach you karate
but he doesn't
[Music]
so i go to the kitchen and pour some
cereal
but when i add the milk too much gushes
out
i am grumpy hungry and cold
and now there is milk everywhere
i have had it with this fence kicking
rain dripping milk spilling day
i cry mad sad shivery
tears no one notices
[Music]
benji's coming out
[Music]
he holds his blanket up high and tiptoes
through the block city
[Music]
benji spreads his blanket flat on the
floor
[Music]
what's he doing
he pulls me down on the fuzzy blueness
and makes me lie straight and still
then he rolls me over and over
[Music]
he works hard to wrap me up tight
[Music]
then she leans over me
his forehead clunks my forehead
his eyes look right in my eyes
you're my little burrito he says
[Music]
i open the blanket and let benji in
you're my little brother
i say
and that's how mama finds us
can i come in too she asks
whether the day is good or bad
benji and i will be okay
that's because the two of us are
brothers
[Music]
side by side is where we are
and how we'll always be
author's note
at our house our autistic and
non-autistic sons alike had fuzzy
blankets they carried around and they
often asked on both good days and bad to
be wrapped tight into burritos
this can be comfy and calming
and it's what sparked the idea for this
story
it's important to note that no two
autistic kids are alike and their needs
and behaviors will be different
some like benji are super sensitive to
sensory input
the world can feel too bright too loud
and too intense
other kids are sensory seekers
some may like to drum on things and clap
their hands and shout out
and many kids like to stim
to rhythmically fidget or move as a way
to disperse extra energy and stress
certain autistic kids will visit a
sensory gym
or ot occupational therapy clinic as in
the super happy lady illustration to
help with coordination and sensory
processing
but not all
different kids have different needs
strengths and challenges
it's not always easy being a brother or
a sister
it's hard at times to be patient
we all have bad days and it's okay to
express those feelings in appropriate
ways
despite the bad days though
sibling bonds can be one of life's best
and most important gifts
thank you for reading about sammy and
benji
[Music]
[Music]
if you don't have books what are you
waiting for it's a kid-safe ad-free
library full of storybooks brought to
life my favorite story on books is
the unicorn and horse because the horse
feels like
he's well not beautiful but he actually
is i'm going to explore more on books
and you should too don't wait around ask
your grown-up and start exploring more
fun stories like these you'll be glad
you did
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