Reinforce the Skills
Literature Extension Activity
When Sophie Gets Angry-Really, Really Angry... by Molly Bang
Reading Level: Preschool–Grade 2
The Story
When Sophie's sister tries to grab a favorite toy from Sophie's hands, Sophie screams, "No!" She is certain that the toy—a stuffed gorilla-belongs with her (after all, she is right in the middle of giving the gorilla a fun-filled ride in the toy truck). But Sophie's mom sides with the sister, saying, "It is her turn now, Sophie."
To make matters worse, the sister wrenches the gorilla from Sophie's resolute grip and Sophie loses her balance, landing belly-first over the truck. Sophie is now enraged: "She kicks. She screams. She wants to smash the world to smithereens."
The picture book follows Sophie as she works to transform her lonely, volcanic anger into a lovely blue-sky calm. First she storms off and cries; then she climbs her favorite beech tree and enjoys the beautiful view and soothing breeze. Finally Sophie reenters the house renewed and happy to see her welcoming family.
Young children will happily visit Sophie's world again and again-the vibrant illustrations and rich storytelling will both entertain them and help them see that a child can successfully manage even her most intense emotions.
Ideas for Classroom Use
When Sophie Gets Angry-Really, Really Angry... can easily fit into SECOND STEP anger-management discussions. It could be discussed in countless fun and meaningful ways at any grade level.
One idea for the Preschool/Kindergarten level is to use the book during shared reading times during the same week that you teach the SECOND STEP lesson "Am I Angry?"
For example, you can read the book to students a few times over the course of a few days. Use questions that fit your students' particular needs.
Here are some sample questions to get you started:
- Prompt: Point to Sophie on page 1. Say to students, "This is Sophie. She is playing with the gorilla. What else can you tell me about what you see on the page?" (There's another girl in the room. Sophie looks happy.)
- Evaluate: Say, "Yes, there is another girl in the room. What clue tells you that Sophie is happy?" (Sophie is smiling.)
- Expand: Say, "You're right. Sophie is smiling. That's one way to tell that she is happy. Why do you think Sophie is happy?" (She likes to play with her toys.)
- Repeat: Say, "Yes, playing with her toys makes Sophie happy."
By Lisa L. Owens
Writer, editor, and reviewer of works for children and young adults