Some Notes for the Grownups in the Room
Why Shubert Works
Children often have big feelings they don't yet have words for. Shubert gives those feelings a name, not through a direct lesson, but by being who he is: a small mouse who is just as confused as they are.
When a child sees Shubert wondering why "Calm down!" doesn't come with instructions, or why "Behave!" is so hard to understand, they feel seen. That moment of recognition provides an opening for real learning and real conversation.
Reading Tips
- Read slowly. Pause after each note. Let your child sit with the information. Silence is okay.
- Follow their lead. If your child laughs, laugh with them. If they go quiet, stay quiet. Don't rush to explain. Let them respond first.
- Make your own notes. Ask your child, "What would YOUR note say?" Some children want to write their own. Some want to draw.
- Come back to it. The best conversations often happen the second or third time around. A note that meant nothing one day might be relevant the next week.
- Share your own puzzles. Tell your child something YOU find confusing about people thinking, people feeling, or people doing. It shows them that wondering is something erveyone does!
Conversation Starters
- Feelings: Has your body every felt like that? What did it feel like inside?
- Feelings: Do you think Shubert was scared? Or just surprised? What's the difference?
- Getting Calm: What do YOU do when you need to calm down? Does it work?
- Getting Calm: If you had to explain "calm down" to Shubert, what would you tell him?
- Behaving: What does "behave" mean to you? Is that the same thing it means for grownups?