Set a positive tone as you prepare students for the school year! Each of these three books has a special message that encourages social emotional learning–while also making a captivating read aloud for storytime.
“Students who feel better about themselves, their relationships, and their ability to constructively contribute to their community perform better academically and socially at school.” – Education Week
A perennial favorite, Dandelion Seed is perfect for kids with back-to-school jitters. It tells the story of a tiny seed that is the last to fly free from its dandelion parent. At first fearful, then curious, then full of excitement, our small seed learns to have courage in the face of fear and to adventure on life.
Also written by Joseph Anthony, In a Nutshell model patience, courage, and cooperation. A humble acorn falls from a great oak and is buried in the soil. It must wait until conditions are right to push its way out into the light. It faces many challenges as it grows, but it also delights in unexpected friends.
Chock full of positive messages, Lifetimes is an unusual picture book that can be shared a page a day. It features tiny creatures or huge entities, from butterflies to the Universe, and the life cycle of each. Special facts lead to a powerful positive message on each page that speaks to the power of self-esteem or kindness. Thoughtful and wide-ranging questions are sprinkled throughout the book and can be used to spark discussions.
Lifetimes is a great way to introduce social emotional learning topics such as self awareness and awareness of others. Kids will get the chance to compare how they are the same but different when compared to other children or other beings. And in a step beyond social awareness, Lifetimes reminds us that we can have relationships to other creatures or even our own planet, as well as other people.
Make sure to check out these book soon, as all three are 40% off for the month of September!
Learn more about social emotional learning here.