A large part of my curriculum is purposely spent exploring emotions with my students. We explore what they are called, what causes them, and how to handle them appropriately in the classroom. The big idea is that emotions are all okay, but how we react to our emotions is worth some thought.
There is also a large part of my teaching week dedicated to unplanned teaching of social skills and emotions. These are during the conflicts that arise daily during any given day in the primary classroom.
When these big emotions occur, it’s helpful to have a story to help explore the concepts and lead our discussion. Below are some of the stories I’ve grabbed on such occasions, and they’ve really helped! Click on any cover to see more details. Hopefully they can help you, too!
I bought this book when I really DID have a student named Sophie who got very angry – a LOT!
This book helped and became one of her favorites to read, perhaps because it let her know that big emotions are something everyone deals with at some point or another.
This sweet story is about another S
ophie, who worries a lot.
I love this one for both shy and outgoing students when we talk about kindness and assertiveness. Emotions are so complex and always changing – we each have a some shyness and fierceness inside of us!
Who knew mistakes could be so helpful (with the right mindset)?
A story about a little girl who faces her fear (after avoiding is as long as she could.)
Think giraffes can’t dance? That’s what Gerald’s friends thought, too…
This story explores all the emotions and lets kids know that all feelings are okay.
A book about how to spread happiness and kindness, with as little a shared smile. Lovely!
Another book about how showing our feelings affects everyone around us.
Another story to help students tame their anger.
I like this one to let my shy students know that they are not alone, and how to deal with shyness.
Hopefully these books can add value to your social skills instruction!
Pin this book list for later!
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