A Bug and a Wish

I love the idea of teaching kids to verbalize their feelings with "a bug and a wish." The concept is great, but the book itself is weird. There is only one example in the book of how to use "a bug and a wish" and the example (being bullied by kids while waiting alone at the bus stop) feels like it is too mature while the illustrations & other parts of the story feel like they're geared for younger kids. I wish the book could be more easily used in a kindergarten classroom.

I teach pre-k and I make my kids use "a bug and a wish" for their problems between each other and they liked it so much that they use it with me and parents too! It really helps them understand the problem (what's bugging them) and sets boundaries (asks someone to stop). With the kids I've taught who were older or very used to using a bug and wish calmly I've had come up with more complicated wishes. I have talked to my class about how to respond to someone's bug and wish too, most of the time they just say "okay I hear you" or "okay I'll stop". My class trusts this system, if someone says a bug and wish they listen almost automatically without my interference. Sometimes someone will use a bug and wish and still be upset, so then we work together for a more complicated wish, like asking someone to say sorry. It does prevent some of the tatting, but mostly it gives them a way to express themselves and set boundaries in a healthy and productive way. Love it!

This is such a creative way to teach younger kids how to use an 'I Message' towards an unwanted behavior. I can't wait to put this into practice with our students as we begin to work on conflict resolution strategies.An example of how to use the phrase:It bugs me when you make fun of my name and I wish you would stop.You can always change the word wish to something a little more assertive to need or want. But I think the book does a good job of helping build language for kids to access when they need a strategy to stop a mean behavior.

I really like this book because I was bullied myself as a child and it’s just cool to see books about bullying. These were nice kids in the end but now days I feel like the bullies would just mock a kid more if he told them to stop. I hope my kiddos never have to find out. This book made my four year old sad because of how the kids were acting to this child. It was perfect timing because were trying to navigate friendships in preschool right now so it was good to read with my preschooler

This is a lovely story about dealing with bullying. Young Tyler begins his day with dreading his walk to the school bus stop, since the other boys tease him about the way he seems to trip when he walks. His good friend, Danae, suggests that he give the bullies "a bug and a wish". Tyler isn't too sure what that means, but when he finds a ladybug and then a dandelion seed (which can be used to make a wish) he decides to see if it works. Then he discovers that that wasn't what Danae meant at all - but did it work? You'll have to read the story...This debut children's book, by teacher Karen Scheuer, helps children deal with bullying in a unique way. It shows children that teasing can hurt feelings, and make others sad. The illustrations by Kalpart capture feelings beautifully and make the story a delight to read!

Use this in my class to help with tattling. Students learned to solve problems and use their voice to tell others to stop doing something that was a bug.

Loved this book! And so did my 8,5, and 4 year olds. We read it together and have now incorporated that into how we use words to help let each other know that something “ bugs” them. It’s so cute... they know to use the “bug and a wish” and if they use it, then the other person must listen and follow through with stopping. When they come to me now I say, “ Did you use a bug and a wish?” Great story... excellent message and tool for kids to learn to communicate their feelings at home, school, and beyond!!

Great book to read to your students.

Our son came home from school and told us the whole story. Order him the book and now he tells everyone how to deal both bullies.

This is a book that can be read over and over and provides a very good system for the kindergarten classroom for children to address problems. This is my second year doing it and it works especially well for students who are a bit reluctant to speak out.