The Big Room
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
As a mother and a teacher, Pearl Brickman was quite aware of children’s fears. Written for early readers ages 5-9, The Big Room is the true story of her grandson’s dread of a coat drawing and an example of how to desensitize children using gradual exposure to specific worries.
Age
5-10
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the big room represents in the story?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the book?
Which character would you like to be friends with, and why?
What would you do if you were in the big room?
How can we create our own 'big room' at home that feels safe and fun?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open body language and maintain eye contact to show you're interested in their thoughts.
Affirm their responses to encourage them to express their ideas and feelings more openly.
Relate their answers to personal experiences or family situations to deepen the connection.
Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to keep the conversation flowing.
Praise their creativity when they imagine themselves within the story or come up with original ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: In 'The Big Room', the protagonist learns to share her toys and space with her new sibling, demonstrating the value of cooperation and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their daily interactions with peers and siblings by sharing their belongings and time, fostering a cooperative environment at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Adjusting to Change
Explanation: The story explores how the main character adapts to having a new sibling and the changes it brings to her family dynamics, illustrating resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a natural part of life. They can use this understanding to cope with new experiences, such as moving to a new place or transitioning to a new school grade.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the protagonist deals with feelings of jealousy and learns to understand her sibling’s needs, the book highlights the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to put themselves in others' shoes, which can lead to more harmonious relationships with family members and friends by recognizing and considering others' feelings and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Expressing Feelings
Explanation: The book encourages expressing one's emotions through the protagonist's journey of verbalizing her feelings about her new sibling, guiding readers on emotional articulation.
Real-World Application: This can empower children to openly communicate their emotions with parents, teachers, or peers, which is crucial for emotional development and forming deep connections.