SEL Book Nook

Using picture books helps the children make connections - text to self, text to world, and text to text. They allow for the children to make personal connections, which not only will improve their comprehension but their schema as well (both important skills for reading). The stories in the links below are a great resource for any classroom. The children relate to the characters in the stories and have the opportunity to practice empathy and develop problem solving skills. There are dozens of additional topics you can search for, so if your child or classroom is having a particular issue, ask your local librarian or search the internet for books related to that topic.

Books about Sharing: http://abooklongenough.com/blog/picture-books-that-teach-young-kids-about-sharing

Books about Anger: https://selfsufficientkids.com/childrens-books-anger-frustration/

Books about Emotions: https://childhood101.com/books-about-emotions/

Books about Friendship: https://lifeovercs.com/25-kids-books-about-friendship/

Books about Kindness: https://www.readbrightly.com/childrens-books-about-kindness/

Books that Teach Self-Regulation & Mindfulness: https://nurtureandthriveblog.com/picture-books-teach-kids-stop-think-handle-emotions-mindful/

These are websites that contain lessons and resources on many SEL topics. The students in my school LOVE the Howard B. Wigglebottom books, and they always teach a great lesson.

Problem Solving Activities & Books: https://pocketofpreschool.com/peek-at-my-week-week-6-problem-solving/

Howard B. Wigglebottom Book/Video Series: https://wedolisten.org/ - 15 SEL videos based on the books. This site also provides Lesson Plans for teachers.

Books, Activities & Games for every SEL topic: https://proudtobeprimary.com/social-emotional-learning/

The children really enjoy watching video clips and songs about SEL concepts. Sesame Street, PBS kids (Daniel Tiger), and Nick Jr all have shows/clips that you can incorporate into your lessons. The songs are catchy and you can hear some of the children singing them and using the strategies in the songs. The children also love to practice Yoga & Mindfulness and Cosmic Kids Yoga (below) has several options for the children to participate in - either as a brain break or as part of an opening group activity. The last clip is simply instrumental children's music that a teacher can use while the students are working or when they are entering the classroom. There is also more soothing, relaxing music on youtube you can play while the children are working.

1.Name that Emotion 2. Anger Monster/Belly Breathing

3. Try a Little Kindness

Anti Bullying Resources

Choose to be Kind Yoga Story Morning Relaxing Music

PBS Kids: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/kindness-empathy-resilience-prek-5/

Nick Jr: http://beyondthebackpack.nickjr.com/activities/#social-emotional

Sesame Street: https://www.sesamestreet.org/toolkits - check out resilience & autism toolkits as well as death, divorce, incarceration and many other helpful resources.