The Grumpy Bench Story
SEL Quick Read • Feelings & Friendship
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The Grumpy Bench
A story about stormy feelings, quiet moments, and a patient friend.
1
The Great Castle Crash
Maya had spent all of recess building the tallest block tower in Mrs. Gable’s classroom. It had three blue turrets, a red drawbridge, and a shiny yellow flag on top.
Then, CRASH! A wayward soccer ball bumped the table. Blocks scattered across the rug like falling autumn leaves.
HOT CHEEKS
Inside Maya's Body
Her chest felt tight. Her fingers curled into tight fists. A giant gray storm cloud seemed to rumble right behind her eyes.
2
Marching to the Green Bench
Maya stomped outside toward the playground. She did not want to kick a ball. She did not want to swing. She marched straight to the chipped green wooden bench under the big shade tree.
She crossed her arms tight across her sweater and stared down at her sneakers. “Everything is ruined,” Maya whispered to herself, feeling a warm, stubborn tear roll down her cheek.
Story Reader • Page 1 of 2 Turn to Page 2 for Chapters 3, 4 & Reflection →
Part Two
The Grumpy Bench
Reading & Reflection
3
The Quiet Seat
Soft footsteps crunched over the woodchips. Sam walked over, holding a smooth round acorn. He didn’t say, “Cheer up!” and he didn’t tell her to smile.
Sam just sat down on the other end of the green bench. He left a gentle space between them. “That was a really loud crash in there,” Sam said quietly. “It stinks when hard work falls down.”
4
The Soup Breath
Maya sniffled. Hearing Sam say that made her shoulders drop an inch. “I worked the whole time on it,” she said.
“I know,” Sam replied. He lifted his hands like he was holding a warm bowl of soup. He took a slow breath in through his nose, and gently blew across his fingers. Maya watched, then tried it too: Breathe in the steam... blow to cool the soup. Once. Twice. By the third breath, her chest felt lighter. The gray cloud began to drift away.
Talk & Think: Understanding Our Feelings
Reader Check-in
1. How did Sam show Maya that he was a supportive, kind friend?
2. What is one thing you can do when a big "stormy" feeling visits you?
3. How is your inside weather feeling right now? (Circle one):
Sunny & Calm
A Little Cloudy
Rainy / Sad
Stormy / Mad
“Feelings are like weather—they come, they blow through, and the sun returns.” Page 2 of 2
