Social Emotional Learning For Kids: Benji, the Bad Day, and Me | Vooks Storytime

Summary

The 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

• 🎒 The story revolves around a character named Sammy who has a bad day at school and home.
• 🚌 Sammy's mishaps include being yelled at for kicking a fence, missing his bus stop, and coming home hungry, cold, and wet.
• 🐶 Sammy's brother, Benji, has a 'box' where he retreats when he has a bad day, a place that is cozy and safe.
• 🎨 The box was made by Sammy, Benji, and their mother, symbolizing a collaborative family effort.
• 👶 Benji is portrayed as a young child who is possibly on the autism spectrum, with sensory sensitivities and specific behaviors.
• 🤗 Benji's family is understanding and supportive, modifying their behavior to accommodate his needs when he's upset.
• 🍕 Sammy feels neglected when he has a bad day, as no one seems to notice or offer him the same comfort as Benji.
• 🥣 Sammy's frustration escalates when he spills milk in the kitchen, leading to an emotional breakdown.
• 🧘‍♂️ Benji comes out of his box to comfort Sammy, using a familiar comforting routine of wrapping him in a blanket.
• 👨‍👦‍👦 The story highlights the bond between the two brothers and the importance of sibling support, regardless of the day's events.
• 📚 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.