Self-Awareness and Personal Discovery
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Mark as New
- Mark as Read
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Printer Friendly Page
- Report Inappropriate Content
Adding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to the classroom can really help students. Here are three great books that help kids understand their feelings, relationships, and themselves through fun lessons.
Book 1 Title: "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig
"The Invisible Boy" tells the story of Brian, a quiet boy who feels unnoticed by his classmates and teachers. His world starts to change when a new student, Justin, arrives and begins to include him in activities, showing the power of small acts of kindness. (Ludwig, T. (2013). The Invisible Boy. Knopf Books for Young Readers.) This book can help young readers understand the importance of empathy and inclusion by showing how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life. Brian's journey teaches readers to appreciate and include those who might be different. This promotes a culture of respect and understanding. The story and characters help students feel connected to the narrative by creating confidence and interest in reading.
Book 2 Title: "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
"Wonder" is about a little boy named Auggie Pullman who has facial deformities who starts attending a public school for the first time. The story is told from multiple perspectives including Auggie's classmates, his sister, and others, providing a comprehensive view of his journey. (Palacio, R.J. (2012). Wonder. Knopf Books for Young Readers.) Auggie's story encourages readers to embrace their own uniqueness and be resilient in the face of challenges. By showing the different perspectives of those around Auggie, the book teaches empathy and the importance of accepting peoples' differences. This book offers multiple viewpoints and an engaging narrative structure that keep readers interested and invested which promotes a love for reading.
Book 3 Title: "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Pena
"Last Stop on Market Street" is a book that follows a young boy named CJ and his grandmother as they ride the bus across the city. Along the way, CJ learns to appreciate the beauty in everyday life and the diverse community around him. (de la Peña, M. (2015). Last Stop on Market Street. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.) CJ's journey helps young readers develop gratitude and an appreciation for their surroundings which fosters a positive outlook on life. The diverse characters CJ encounters on his bus ride teach children to respect and value people from different backgrounds.The illustrations and text makes the story engaging and accessible which encourages students to enjoy and succeed in reading.
Conclusion
These books are perfect for SEL lessons because they encourage students to think deeply about their emotions and relationships. By integrating these stories into your curriculum, you can help foster a more empathetic and inclusive classroom environment.
References:
- Ludwig, T. (2013). The Invisible Boy. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
- Palacio, R.J. (2012). Wonder. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
- de la Peña, M. (2015). Last Stop on Market Street. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.
