Read-Aloud Books for Social and Emotional Learning
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a hot topic in education today. Research is proving that SEL is a crucial component of education, as it not only helps students develop essential life skills but also contributes to creating inclusive and supportive school cultures. As a special education teacher, I worked with students with some of the most challenging behaviors in our district. It did not take me long to realize that students who were not emotionally regulated were also not ready to learn. The same is true at home. I know when one of my children are having a difficult time at home I need to wait until they are calm and regulated before I can begin to process with them. I could talk about the importance of Social and Emotional Development, both at home and at school, forever, but I will try not to bore you! The important take away is that without a strong foundation in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills children will struggle both in school and at home. Many schools are integrating SEL into their classrooms, however I am a firm believer that social and emotional health begins at home. The following are a collection of books that I use in both my classroom and at home to support the development of these important skills.
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Best Books for Teaching Emotions
"F is for Feelings" teaches young children about different emotions and how to express them. Through each letter of the alphabet, the book explores various feelings, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and curiosity, using simple language and colorful illustrations. It helps children understand that it's normal to have different feelings and that it's important to recognize and communicate them. This is a great book to start with for young children who are just developing basic feeling language. This book would be helpful for children preschool age through early elementary.
"A Little Spot of Feelings" is a series of children's books aimed at helping kids understand and navigate their emotions. Each book in the series focuses on a specific feeling, such as happiness, anger, sadness, or love, represented by a colorful "spot" character. The box set includes plush characters which I highly recommend. Often young children, or children who are unable to verbalize their feelings will communicate their emotions through the use of these characters. The series uses relatable scenarios, to explore the causes and effects of each emotion, teaching children how to recognize, express, and manage their feelings in healthy ways. I would recommend these books be used with children over the age of five.
Best Books for Regulating Emotions
"Breath Like a Bear" introduces mindfulness and breathing techniques through the metaphor of animals. The book encourages children to practice various breathing exercises by comparing them to the breathing patterns of different animals, such as a bear, snake, or elephant. The book teaches kids how to use their breath to calm down, focus their minds, and manage their emotions. It is a fun and accessible way to develop healthy coping skills. I suggest first using this book to model the breathing techniques when your child is calm and once they have practiced the skills they will be able to access them when they are upset. One of my children will often grab this book when she is feeling upset and uses the strategies independently. Definitely a favorite book in my house!
"My Magic Breath" shows children the power of breath and the importance of mindfulness. It tells the story of a child who discovers the magic of their breath and learns how to use it to calm their mind and body. The book teaches children through various breathing exercises, and how to relax, focus, and manage their emotions.
"Listening to My Body" supports self-awareness by helping children recognize and understand the signals their bodies send about their emotions. The book describes various bodily sensations associated with different feelings, such as butterflies in the stomach for nervousness or a warm feeling for happiness. It teaches children how to tune in to these sensations and interpret them as cues for their emotions, encouraging them to express and manage their feelings in healthy ways.
"The Rabbit Listened" is my FAVORITE book on the list. It teaches both children and adults the importance of empathy and emotional support. It tells the story of a young child who experiences a range of emotions after something upsetting happens. Throughout the story, various animals try to help the child feel better by offering advice or trying to distract them. However, it's the rabbit who simply listens without judgment or trying to fix things. Eventually, the child begins to process their emotions and find their own way forward, thanks to the rabbit's patient and empathetic listening. The book highlights the importance of being present for others and allowing them to express their feelings without interference (a great reminder for adults!)
