Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters



Last updated Thursday, August 31, 2023

Author: Julie Anne and Darren Penn
Illustrator: Sergio De Giorgi
Date of Publication: 2023
ISBN: 979-8985470796
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2023

Synopsis: Meet Sarah. She's about to start a new school that's on a distant planet. She doesn't have any friends yet. Her teacher may or may not be a swamp creature. And worse, lunch looks like it's wriggling, slimy and alive! But just before the school bus arrives, Team Supercrew's Benny the Brave comes to the rescue!

Team Supercrew's Benny the Brave reminds kids that they have the power to be BRAVE inside of them whenever they need it!

Benny the Brave reminds Sarah that her worst-case fears are okay, and that she has the power to change these thoughts. She has the power to be BRAVE, and it just might be closer to find than she thinks.

Note to readers:
•  This book is very short and simple. Read slowly, show pictures, and ask questions throughout.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What does it mean to have jitters?
•  If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Vocabulary:

•  Adventures: an unusual exciting, experience or activity
•  Lickety-Split: as quickly as possible
•  Squirmy: moving in a wriggling motion
•  Jitters: feelings of extreme nervousness
•  Brave: ready to face and endure danger or pain, showing courage

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What can make you feel scared?
•  When have you been brave?
•  Are Sarah's fears how school really is?
•  Is it OK to be scared sometimes?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw yourself as a superhero.
•  Cut out superhero masks. Use craft paper to cut out superhero masks and decorate them. Check out this Google search on "cut out superhero mask simple" for ideas
•  Use a paper bag to make superheroes.
https://www.ourkidthings.com/paper-bag-superhero-craft/

Special activities:
•  Have students create their own superhero name like the supercrew i.e. Benny the Brave, Chloe the Calm, etc. and present their own power. Volunteers, it really helps if you model this with your own superhero name!

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!