Books That Heal Kids: self-regulation

Showing posts with label self-regulation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-regulation. Show all posts

Book Review: Sweep

Author: Louise Greig
Illustrator: Julia Sarda

From the Book Jacket: Ed's bad mood begins as something small. But before long it grows, and grows, and spreads through the whole town. Can Ed clear his troubles away? Or will everyone be swept up in his bad mood?

Why It's On My Bookshelf:
Absolutely love love this book! Ed's bad mood becomes out of control and starts to become bigger and bigger. The leaves represent his feelings and they grow so huge they start to overtake the town - affecting everyone and everything. As this is occurring Ed secretly wishes this would all just stop. Right after this thought his bad mood is swept away by the wind which allows Ed to see the positive things. I really enjoyed this story and I think it is going to be helpful for kids to cope with bad moods. 

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Book Review: Allie All Along

Author/Illustrator: Sarah Lynne Reul

From the Book Jacket: When Allie's crayon breaks, she stomps, smashes, crashes, and throws a tantrum, a fuss, and a fit. Her big brother wants to help her feel better. Will punching a pillow, squeezing a toy, or breathing deep breaths help Allie let go of her angry feelings, one layer at a time?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a great resource to teach zones of regulation, managing big feelings, and size of the problem. After her brother helps to calm her down she is now in a state of sadness. I really love this book and sometimes it takes more than one trick to help calm us down. But when it's all said and done we will be okay and can even be ready for a hug. I will definitely be using this one!

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Book Review: My Whirling Twirling Motor

Author: Merriam Sarcia Saunders
Illustrator: Tammie Lyon

From the Book Jacket: Charlie feels like he has a whirling, twirling motor running inside him...all the time! He doesn't WANT to have so much energy but sometimes he just can't settle down. When his mom wants to talk to him, he figures he's in trouble...but she has a surprise for him instead. 

Includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and, Teachers with more information on hyperactivity, AD/HD, behavior management, and helping children focus on the positives. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I thought this book was going to be about giving kids strategies to self-regulate. But it really helped highlight a very important tool we need to be using more with kids who are hyperactive. The story focuses the positive things kids do. When it's time to go to bed, Charlie's mom shares with him all of the wonderful things she observed him doing throughout the day. This really helps him feel good about himself because he's very aware he has trouble controlling his motor. A great strategy to increase positive behaviors is through positive reinforcement. I can only imagine how low a child's self-esteem goes if they are only being told to fix the negative -- they need to hear the good too. 

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Book Review: Let's Have a Dog Party!

Author/Illustrator: Mikela Prevost

From the Book Jacket: To celebrate Frank's birthday, Kate throws him a party with all her favorite things: lots of friends, dancing in circles, loud singing, and sparkly confetti everywhere. But best friends don't always have the same taste in parties. Frank prefers quiet, sun-drenched naps on his favorite rug. So he hides. Kate must find a way to bring Frank back to the party - on his own terms. A story that encourages empathy and the art of listening. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has been such a help with the students at my school who are learning about self-regulation and how their behavior impacts others. If you like to teach the zones of regulation this is an awesome book to add to your lessons. Let's Have a Dog Party is a teaches kids the importance of recognizing and understanding others emotions. Frank is completely overwhelmed by the energy and excitement of the children. One of the things the kids in the story are not immediately picking up on are the social cues that Frank is giving through his body language. Finally, a girl named Kate realizes she needs to take a gentle quieter approach to Frank to help him feel comfortable and safe. This was a really good teaching moment for a small group I am working with. 

There are many different ways you can use this book with your students....self-regulation, personal space, zones of regulation, voice levels, empathy, and being a social thinker. I highly recommend this one. It's a great read with awesome illustrations to help teach these important social skills. 

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Book Review: Harrison P. Spader Personal Space Invader

Author: Christianne Jones
Illustrator: Cale Atkinson

From the Book Jacket: Harrison P. Spader sat a little too close. Shook hands a little too long. High-fived a little too hard. And hugged a little too much. Harrison P. Spader was a personal space invader. But that all changes when he learns the Space Saver rhyme: Arms out front, then out real wide. Now place your arms back by your sides. Author Christianne Jones uses humor and relatable situations to teach early learners about self awareness. This entertaining picture book in the Little Boost series will tackle a much-needed topic for teachers, parents, and librarians. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book has been an absolute life saver this school year. We have had to do so many extra social skills lessons on personal space with our kindergarten kiddos. This was definitely a favorite and has such great concrete examples. We really wanted to teach students about their "space bubbles" so this book helped set up that lesson. And we are also now able to remind kids to not be "space invaders" thanks to the language in the story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ONE!

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Book Review: When the Anger Ogre Visits

Author: Andree Salom
Illustrator: Ivette Salom

From the Book Jacket: Use this playful, read-along story to teach that anger as a natural and manageable part of life.

"The Anger Ogre visits everybody's lives, just remember to be patient whenever it arrives."

When the Anger Ogre Visits gives children symbolic and concrete guidance about how to deal with anger as a natural part of their inner lives. Rather than squelching anger or pushing it away, the book invites children to sit with and observe anger, removing its overwhelming aspects. This playfully illustrated story, written in memorable rhyme, centers on discovering and using internal resources and portrays anger as manageable.


Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a nice one to help kids work on some concrete skills around calming their bodies down when they are angry. I really struggle with helping kids learn to breathe when the Anger Ogre shows up. I like the language used in the book: breathe slow and very deeply; relax your tongue; relax your toes; relax your belly; relax your nose; relax your ears so you can hear the sound of your breath.....Lots of great directions like this. The book shows the Ogre changing form as different techniques are used to tame it. This is another great one to add to my shelf to help children. 

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Book Review: The Social Butterfly

Author: Beth Bracken
Illustrator: Sofia Cardoso

From the Book Jacket: Charlotte loves talking, singing, and playing. What Charlotte doesn’t love is sitting still, being quiet, and listening, which is a big problem at school. Charlotte's overly social ways interfere with her friendships and her learning. Will Charlotte be able to modify her behavior and learn when to be social and when to be quiet? A sweet and relatable picture book story that shines a light on social behaviors.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Helping kids develop self control is a big part of what I do. It is hard to sit still!! So when I find great resources like this I am ecstatic. I rely on My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook when I teach active listening skills which is a great resource. But it's also nice to now have a story about the same problem behavior that shows a female character. If you are looking for a good book to help your talkers and strengthen classroom management - this is an awesome one. 

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Book Review: Let Me Finish!


Author: Minh Le 
Illustrator: Isabel Roxas
Interest Level: Ages and Up

From the Book Jacket: When our young hero settles in to read, the last thing he wants is for some noisy animals to ruin the ending of the story. But ruin it they do. And as it turns out, the boy is quickly approaching a surprise ending of his own! Maybe he should have listened to the animals after all...

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I think this serves as a great social skills lesson to students. I'm always on the hunt for books that might give a perspective about showing respect when someone is trying to learn or is engaged in a task. Every time the boy in the book tries to read he is interrupted. He becomes QUITE agitated. I see this as a great teaching tool in the classroom. As a community we want to teach students to be aware of how our behavior and actions are impacting others. If someone is trying to learn - be respectful. The ending is to the book is a bit silly but the lesson is CLEAR in the story. Excited to have something new to use when teaching listening skills. 

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Book Review: Charlotte and the Quiet Place


















Author: Deborah Sosin
Illustrator: Sara Woolley
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

About This Book: Charlotte likes quiet. But wherever Charlotte goes, she is surrounded by noise, noise, noise — her yipping dog, Otto; the squeaky, creaky swings; the warbling, wailing sirens. Even in the library, children yammer and yell. Where can Charlotte find a quiet place? Sara Woolley’s magnificent watercolors bring Charlotte’s city to life when Otto leads her on a wild chase through the park. There, Charlotte discovers a quiet place where she never would have imagined!

Sometimes children need a break from our noisy, overstimulating world. Charlotte and the Quiet Place shows how a child learns and practices mindful breathing on her own and experiences the beauty of silence. All children can relate to the unfolding adventure and message of self-discovery and empowerment. Parents, teachers, and caretakers of highly active or sensitive children will find this story especially useful.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is such a helpful resource for self-regulation. I am using this to teach kids to take a break and find a quiet space in the classroom to get back to a calm state. There is also an awesome discussion guide you can use. So happy to have this new tool. It also fits perfectly with my Zones of Regulation lessons. 







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Book Review: The Lemonade Hurricane - A Story of Mindfulness and Meditation

Author: Licia Morelli
Illustrator: Jennifer Morris
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Henry's life can get busy - sometimes too busy. When that happens, Henry gets wild, tearing around the house like a lemonade hurricane. But his big sister Emma has an idea. 

Maybe, just maybe, she can help her brother learn to be still. This charming story tells how mindfulness and meditation can help calm even a hurricane like Henry, and simple instructions in the back of the book show how you can do it, too!

The Book Trailer: 


Why It's On My Bookshelf: I have been teaching The Zones of Regulation and have been trying to find picture books to model the RED zone (when the body is out of control) and how kids can get back to the GREEN zone (when the body is in control). This is such a great story to help kids be aware of their physical energy and how to regulate it. What kids take away from the story is they can calm themselves by using the tool of deep breathing. In the book they show Henry and Emma meditating. We talked about how we can apply breathing to everyday situations in the classroom, cafeteria, playground etc. Kids might not exactly be able to sit down and meditate in the moment but then can still use the strategy of taking deep breaths. I also showed the video "Just Breathe". Such a successful lesson!

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Book Review: Clark the Shark

Author: Bruce Hale
Illustrator: Guy Francis
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Clark is a shark with zing, bang, and BOOM. Clark zooms into school, crashes through the classroom, and is rowdy at recess. Clark loves life - but when his enthusiasm is too much for his friends. Clark's teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, helps him figure out a way to tone it down. Clark the Shark celebrates boisterous enthusiasm - and knowing when it's time for indoor voices!

Watch the Book Trailer Here:


Why It's On My Bookshelf: Usually after the first week of school, the behavior honeymoon is over. That's when you need to reach into your book basket and grab Clark the Shark. He is a sweet shark with good intentions but all over the place when it comes to being focused on learning. We need creative approaches when it comes to challenging kids. The students who are struggling with paying attention and being disruptive need empathetic strategies. I plan on rolling out a cute little lesson plan using a shark puppet - I have a feeling I will be referring to Clark MANY TIMES throughout the year. This is a winner folks.  

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Book Review: Being Frank

Author: Donna Earnhardt
Illustrator: Andrea Castellani
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: "Honesty is the best policy." That's Frank's motto. He tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. But Frank's overly frank comments tend to annoy his friends, his teachers, and even his mother - and now Frank is honestly unhappy. 

He decides to visit his confidant and pal, Grandpa Ernest, who has a history of frankness himself. A few outrageous hats, a spicy jar of relish, and some grandfatherly wisdom help Frank realize that the truth is best served with more sugar and less pepper.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: "I really love the book you just read." This was a comment I received from a teacher after reading Being Frank to her second grade class. When I get good teacher feedback, I know I've got a great one on my shelf. This is a social skills WINNER. Being Frank teaches kids the importance of THINKING before they speak. Your words can either build people up or break them down. Frank had a big impact on our students. I used the metaphor from the book about how our words are either like sugar or pepper. They can leave a person with either a sweet or bitter feeling. This book has breathed new life into some of my social skills lessons. It is a MUST.

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Book Review: The Call of the Cowboy


Author: David Bruins
Illustrator: Hilary Leung
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

A Note From the Publisher: When the bear wants to spend the afternoon photographing birds, the exuberant cowboy inadvertently makes a nuisance of himself as he loudly chews bubble gum, hops on a pogo stick and slurps a pop. When the ninja just wants to read quietly, the cowboy is wildly distracting as he drums on rocks, bats a paddleball and gabs on his cell phone. The cowboy's boisterous mood prompts the ninja and the bear to drop their respective activities, leaving their pal alone to wonder why no one wants to be with him. Can he find the peace and quiet he needs to figure it out?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Ever been focused on an activity and there is a constant interruption? Kinda annoying. Walk into a classroom and you will see all kinds of concentration going on. Take a closer look and you might see some kids off task interrupting that focus. This book is for those little darlings - the invaders of learning. I also love how the story starts out describing cowboy as a good friend, kind, caring, and fun. It's important for the interrupters to know we think they are awesome. But they can be more awesome if they show respect to the other learners around them. This is a short sweet story and it will be making the rounds with me this fall as kids get back into their school groove.

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Book Review: Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker

Author: Christianne Jones
Illustrated by Richard Watson
Interest Level: K-3

About This Book: Lacey Walker loves to talk. She talks all day, and sometimes all night. But when she loses her voice, Lacey learns the importance of listening.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Even though the school year is wrapping up, I am already plotting and planning my lessons for the fall. I've got my great standby books ready to go but I also just got some new ones to teach beginning of the year school skills. Lacy Walker, Nonstop Talker (the title rocks) is going to be one of my new heavy hitters for teaching listening. We have some major nonstop talkers (can't wait to introduce those two words!) in some of our classrooms. I know you understand exactly what I am talking about. The kids who just won't stop the chatter. 

This is a unique story about listening because Lacey loses her voice. She realizes all her nonstop talking causes her to miss out on everything. Her silence forces her to be a listener. And what do you know....lots of positive stuff happens. Great lesson in this one. Can't wait for our chatter boxes to LISTEN to this book.

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Book Review: You Get What You Get

Author: Julie Gassman
Illustrated by Sarah Horne
Interest Level: K-3

About the Book: Melvin throws fit after fit when he doesn't get what he wants. He must learn how to deal with disappointment. After all, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a great new discovery. This is a saying we use A LOT in the younger grades - "You Get What You Get and You Don't Throw a Fit!" I am REALLY excited someone finally turned this great little saying into a helpful book. It is PERFECTLY written. Best part is Melvin goes home and also teaches his family all about this new rule he learns at school from his teacher. Students are always learning to deal with disappointment throughout their school day. This saying is an easy way to help kids cope and move on from whatever small issue they think is an injustice. In life we are not always going to get our way and get what we want - lets remind kids to be happy and grateful for what they do get - not what they don't get.

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Book Reviews: New Ones on Impulse Control


The Busy Beaver
Author/Illustrator: Nicholas Oldland
Interest Level: Ages 3-7 

From the Book Jacket: There once was a beaver who was so busy that he didn't always think things through. After finding himself on the wrong side of a falling tree one day, the beaver begins to see the error of his careless ways. He's eager to set things right, but will his friends and neighbors believe he's truly changed behavior?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When working with the littles, I don't know how many times I have heard myself say, "Whoa. I need another book on self-control." The kiddos can never get enough coaching in this area. We've got high standards for students and if you have kids who are challenged with impulse control - it's so important to build positive language with them. This one introduced the words "think things through." We had fun figuring out what that means and how it applies to a kid's life. Just like the old saying 'think before you speak' - we also need to Think Before We Act!





OH, No, George!
Author/Illustrator: Chris Haughton
Interest Level:  Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: George is a dog with all the best intentions. But when George spies a delicious cake sitting on the kitchen table, his resolve starts to waver. You see, George loves cake...What will George do? Chris Haughton's fetchingly funny story and vibrant, retro illustrations are sure to lure dog lovers of all ages - and anyone who has ever met a temptation too good to resist.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book is seriously cute. I haven't developed a huge lesson out of it yet but I've been reading it to K-2 grades. I've brought along my impulsive puppy puppet for discussion. He is a fan favorite. George has some serious self-control issues when his owner leaves the house. It's a fun story and the students got a kick out of it. We also talked about what an, "Oh No" moment is in our lives and how we can be in control of our behavior especially when adults are not looking! So it's also a story about doing the right thing. Love.

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Lively Elizabeth! What Happens When You Push

Author: Mara Bergman
Illustrator: Cassia Thomas
Interest Level: Ages 4-7

From the Book Jacket: Lively Elizabeth lives up to her name - in fact, she's a little bit of a handful! She doesn't mean to hurt anyone, but one day at school she finds out that one little push can lead to BIG problems!


Why It's On My Bookshelf: Let me set the scene for you: It's recess. Children are playing joyfully. The recess bell rings. The students run towards their line and all of a sudden the joy is GONE. There are some kids crying, some on the ground holding scraped knees, others arguing and pointing at each other, and then I get to come over and sort it all out. 



Now granted this does not happen all of the time because we work really hard on having students line up safely - but these are kids - they are not perfect. My saving grace is always a social skills book. I've found a new one, Lively Elizabeth! What Happens When You Push, to help teach self-control and reinforce being safe in school.


Little Miss Lively Elizabeth is not in the same scenario at recess but she does decide to push another boy in class. Which causes a whole domino effect of kids falling into one another. Great illustrations showing cause and effect. 








She experiences the social consequences of kids being upset with her but is forgiven after making an apology for her behavior. Loved the making amends part. Although I've been reading it this Spring, I plan on re-reading it at the beginning of the school year next Fall. It's such a great addition to my library. I'm hoping it will help decrease my "Lord help me" moments at recess.


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Book Review: It's Hard To Be A Verb!

Author: Julia Cook
illustrated by Carrie Hartman
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Being a verb is hard...especially for Louis, who can't seem to control himself when he gets the urge to move at the wrong time and situation. Louis' mom comes to the rescue by teaching him techniques to help keep his inner itching, twitching and jumping to be a verb in check. A positive resource for anyone dealing with ADHD or challenged by someone who has ADHD.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Lots of things I like about this book. The use of the word verb is a perfect way to describe what's going on with Louis. It's sort of a nice and neutral way to explain ADHD behaviors without having to put a label on someone. The first part of the story explains how hard it is for Louis to be in control and someone is constantly on his case because of it. Kids who have these same challenges can absolutely relate to his struggle. But one day mom offers up some solutions. She shows him how to wiggle his wiggles, use a focus squishy, and makes a daily check list. Um, LOVE IT! This makes it easier to introduce my interventions. Also, dad makes a few comments about their strategies being strange. I like that author Julia Cook put this in the book. This is smart. Because it gives me a chance to rebuff that kind of thinking.

I'm so thankful to have a story like It's Hard To Be A Verb. I don't students feeling put-down by their wiggles. Being a verb is tough! But there are ways to redirect those wiggles. Favorite part is the last page when mom shows her acceptance and appreciation of who Louis is....a wonderful verb.  

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Book Review: Katie Loves the Kittens

Author: John Himmelman
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: Katie is just so excited when Sara Ann brings home three little kittens that she can't stop herself from howling "AROOOOOO!" She loves them so much! But Katie's enthusiasm frightens the kittens, and she's sad when they run away from her. Don't they know that she just wants to play?



Why It's On My Bookshelf: Katie Loves the Kittens is delightful, adorable, and even teaches an important social skill - self-control!! I can't even remember how I found this lovely little piece of kid-lit but the first time I read it I couldn't stop giggling! Katie the dog is having the hardest time controlling herself and can't stop howling at the kittens with absolute joy and excitement. The kittens want nothing to do with her and are a bit freaked out by her behavior. I've read this to all of our K-2 grades and the concept of self-control has been so EASY for me to teach thanks to Katie and her impulsive ways. I bring up the word self-control in the middle of the book and I have the kids repeat it. They are total pros now on the concept of controlling oneself and why it's so important. I love the ending to this story. Katie wakes up with the kittens fast asleep and they are snuggled up to her. The picture of her trying to keep it together and not start howling is so cute. I also love how the illustrations show her getting revved up with the wagging of her tail. I ask the kids, "Why isn't Katie howling?" And they say, "Self-control!"



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