The Berenstain Bears and the Slumber Party
Berenstain Bears First Time Chapter Books Series
on Goodreads (1,534)
What’s inside...
Sister Bear's first slumber party at Lizzy Bruin's gets out of control with pillow fighting and soda squirting, leading to Brother Bear and Cousin Freddy crashing the party. Lizzy's parents end the party early, and Brother and Sister learn a valuable lesson about behaving when away from home. This classic Berenstain Bears story teaches children about personal responsibility and the consequences of their actions, and includes a visit to Bear Country and over 50 bonus stickers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sister Bear
Papa Bear
Lizzy Bruin
Mrs. Bruin
Mama Bear
Discussion points
How did Sister Bear feel when she was invited to the slumber party, and how did her feelings change throughout the story?
What are some important rules you think should be followed during a slumber party?
Why is it important to listen to our friends and be considerate of their feelings in group settings like a slumber party?
What would you do if you found yourself in a situation at a slumber party that made you uncomfortable?
How did the characters resolve their problems at the end of the story, and what can we learn from that?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a similar experience you had when you were younger. Ask open-ended questions that relate not just to the events in the book, but also to the emotions and decisions of the characters. Allow your child to express their own ideas and relate them to their personal experiences. Encourage them to think about what they would do differently and praise their empathy and understanding. Keep the tone light and ensure the conversation is a safe space for them to express their feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, Sister Bear learns about the consequences of not following rules during the slumber party.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the importance of following guidelines set by parents or guardians at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Peer Pressure
Explanation: The book highlights how Sister Bear is influenced by her friends to make decisions she is unsure about.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children recognize situations where they might feel pressured and encourages them to make choices that align with their values.
Example Lesson: Handling Disagreements
Explanation: The cubs face disagreements during the party, and they need to navigate these conflicts constructively.
Real-World Application: Children learn strategies to resolve conflicts with friends and siblings, promoting harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Respect for Others' Property
Explanation: The story demonstrates the importance of respecting others' belongings when the cubs accidentally cause damage during the party.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be cautious and respectful when using items that belong to others, whether at school or during playdates.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Sister Bear learns to be honest about the incidents that occurred during the slumber party when talking to Mama and Papa Bear.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be truthful in their dealings with adults and peers, particularly when explaining their actions.