Max – a story about hurt feelings

Max – A story about hurt feelings. I heard about this fab idea posted on a Facebook group comment. I had to go and buy myself a bottle of Pepsi Max to try it out. Take out about a third of the bottle before beginning the activity. Make sure children know what happens to a fizzy drink when you shake it up too much. I have made up my own little story to go with the bottle of Pepsi Max.

A story about Max

I want to tell you a story about Max. (You will need a small bottle of Pepsi Max)

Max woke up one morning and he was getting ready for school. He had a wash, brushed his teeth and went downstairs for his breakfast. When he sat down his brother said to him ‘You have toothpaste all over your face hahahahaha! You look stupid!’ Max felt a bit upset at his brother laughing at him . (Shake the bottle of pepsi max).

Max had his breakfast and his mum shouted for him to get his bookbag because it was time to go to school.

They walked to school. On the way to school he saw two of his friends chatting. He ran up to them so he could walk with them. They IGNORED him. Max felt upset but tried to be brave. (Shake up the bottle of Pepsi Max).

He got to school and went into his classroom, put his book bag away and went to play with the Lego. One of the children in the class shouted at him ‘You can’t play here. Go away!’ Max felt sad. He tried really hard to not cry and to be brave. (Shake up the bottle of Pepsi Max).

It was now registration time. He sat on the carpet with his classmates and went to sit next to Sophie. He liked Sophie she was always kind and helpful. Unfortunately Samantha wanted to sit next to Sophie and she shouted at Max ‘NO I am sitting next to Sophie. GO AWAY and SIT SOMEWHERE ELSE!’ Max felt really upset, his eyes filled with tears but he really tried not to cry!’ (Shake up the bottle of Pepsi Max).

He sat down next to Jason. The teacher read their names out and he shouted ‘Yes Miss/Mrs ______’. Whilst he was sitting quietly listening carefully to the teacher, two of his friends behind him were talking and being silly. The teacher looked up and said ‘Who was being silly when I was calling out the names?’ His friend said ‘It was Max! He was making silly noises!’ That was it for Max he burst into tears. They plopped down his cheeks and he cried and cried. (Shake up the bottle of Pepsi Max).

Questions

Now ask the children. What would happen if I opened this bottle of Pepsi Max? Yes it would explode just like Max did in the story. He felt more and more upset as the day went on. Lots of things hurt his feelings during the story and eventually he burst into tears just like if I took the lid off this bottle. The coke would burst out and go all over. What could we change to make Max feel better?

 What could his brother have said instead of laughing at the toothpaste on his face?

When the children give you an answer open the Pepsi Max bottle a little bit so they can hear the air being let out.

 What could his friends have done instead of ignoring him?

When the children give you an answer open the Pepsi Max bottle a little bit so they can hear the air being let out.

 What could his friend have done instead of telling him he couldn’t play with the lego? When the children give you an answer open the Pepsi Max bottle a little bit so they can hear the air being let out.

 What could Samantha have done instead of telling him he couldn’t sit next to Sophie? When the children give you an answer open the Pepsi Max bottle a little bit so they can hear the air being let out.

 What could his friend have done instead of blaming Max for being silly on the carpet? When the children give you an answer open the Pepsi Max bottle a little bit so they can hear the air being let out.

 Now I wonder if the bottle will explode when I open it fully. No it didn’t because you all know not to hurt people’s feelings and know how to be kind and caring. You know how to share, say kind things and play nicely with your friends.

This ‘Maz – A story about hurt feelings’ could also be used to demonstrate anger or anxiety and how that builds up during the day. You might want to open the bottle and let the contents spill out. Fill the bottle with fizzy water so it doesn’t stain.