I love using children's literature to launch discussions about social skills and emotional regulation. Like most of us, children dislike being called out for their shortcomings. Using books helps depersonalize any struggle a child might be experiencing and carve a path forward. Stories also help build empathy through relating to a character's experience.
Here is a list of some of our favorite books that promote social-emotional learning, and they are all available to borrow from our Materials Library!
Themes: Overcoming Frustration and Perfectionism
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Ish and The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
Themes: Overcoming Anxiety and Trying Something New
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
Themes: Characters Who Cope With Feelings
Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats
Themes: Loss and Grief
The Shared Room by Kao Kalia Yang
Themes: Community, Meeting New People
Last Stop On Market Street by Matt De La Peña
Themes: Friendship, Mistakes, Apologizing, Sharing
A Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats
Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney
All of these titles will be available at our Social-Emotional Learning Symposium on Tuesday, November 15th. There is still time to sign up!