Executive FUNction Series: Of Course It's a Big Deal! - Book Activities

This resource was created as a book companion to Bryan Smith’s Of Course It’s a Big Deal: A Story about Learning to React Calmly and Appropriately.

In this relatable story, Braden overreacts to discouraging moments and minor misunderstandings that occur throughout his day. Unfortunately, his parents and teachers just don’t understand! Through guidance and practice, Braden eventually learns to control his initial reactions and finds that he is much happier when he remains calm.

This resource offers no-prep worksheets, discussion questions, and projects that will help children gain a deeper understanding of, explore, and hold themselves accountable for the important topics presented in this book. Check out the activities included below and click on Download Preview!

*NOTE: This resource was created with the permission of Boys Town Press.

Activity #1: Story Reflection

This activity requires students to answer four questions relating directly to the story. This activity would be best to use with any individual or group of students who have just read the story. Response examples are included.

Activity #2: Personal Reflection

The purpose of this activity is for students to answer four questions that compare their personal experiences with those of Braden, the main character in the story. They are asked to reflect on a time they did not react appropriately when they were mad or upset. This activity would be best to use with any individual or group of students who have just read the story. Response examples are included.

Activity #3: Incident Reflection

This activity is best to use after an incident has occurred where a student has reacted inappropriately when frustrated, mad, or disappointed. The student does not necessarily need to be familiar with the book, but it’s a great idea to read it before, during, or after disciplinary action. Response examples are included.

Activity #4: 10 Ways to Calm Down

Braden’s grandpa suggests four steps to reacting calmly. The first step is to calm down by either taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or thinking of a happy place. For this assignment, students must come up with other things Braden could do to calm down when he’s upset. I do let students use the Internet for ideas. Response examples are included. I’ve included an optional poster project rubric if you’d like to take this assignment a step further. Fill out the “Points Possible” column before making copies.

Activity #5: Story Discussion Cards

These cards are designed to get students to think critically about what they’ve just read. The discussion questions can be discussed as a whole-group, or they can be copied and cut apart for small-group discussions. You can cut them apart and place them in a hat for randomization.

Activity #6: Apology Note Checklist

Writing a heartfelt note is just one way for students to apologize for their behavior. This activity offers an outline for an apology note with three final copy options: one with prompts, one with large spaces for writing, and one with small spaces for writing.

Activity #7: Scenario Cards

One of the “Four Steps to Reacting Calmly” is to think of a way to make the situation better. This activity offers an opportunity for children to practice making the right choice in moments of disappointment, discouragement, and anger. After reading different scenarios, students must answer the question, “What can you do to make the situation better?”

Activity #8: Appropriate Responses

It is challenging for children to accept disappointment. This activity describes two reactions a student can have to a variety of disappointing scenarios. Students are asked to choose the “most appropriate” reaction. Some of these may lead to a debate! Answer key is included.

Check out my Behavior Reflection Guides and Discipline Forms!