Social-emotional growth and development is nurtured in our reading experiences
Learning Empathy
“Stories are one of humanity’s most powerful vehicles for making lasting connections to people we will never meet. To feel like Charlotte about Wilbur’s plight in Charlotte’s Web, to identify with Martin Luther King, Jr., in Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., or with Ruby Bridges in Through My Eyes, prepares children to empathize both with their neighbors and with people whose lives take place around the world or across the proverbial railroad tracks.”
-Maryanne Wolf (Wolf, 2018, p163-4)
Click the book for more information on this story
Below are more books for teaching empathy, kindness, courage, perseverance, and more!
The Dot
by Peter H. Reynolds
Explore this story to emphasize a growth mindset. Children will join Vashti on her journey from discouragement into empowerment. Learn about the power of perspective and having a positive influence who believes in you!
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Swimmy
by Leo Lionni
In this classic story, still relevant today, readers meet Swimmy, a little fish who perseveres through adversity and learns the value of teamwork.
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Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall
This story is new to my book shelf! I found a valuable lesson in reading about Jabari, a young man who has prepared for a new experience, yet he finds himself rather hesitant as he approaches the scary and exciting new adventure. Jabari finds encouragement in his father’s supportive words.
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Chester’s Way
by Kevin Henkes
Meet three mice in this simple tale. Chester, Wilson… and Lilly! The interaction between these characters (yes, they learn to be friends) teaches children to embrace our differences as opportunities to grow. The lessons learned in this story about including others and being included will leave a lasting impression.
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Interrupting Chicken
by David Ezra Stein
Are you able to make a phone call or have a conversation without being interrupted by your children? I wasn’t! I needed this book in my life when my kids were younger… Maybe I should read it to them now! This story incorporates many classic folk tales while also teaching children the importance of waiting patiently. It is an entertaining story for all who hear it!
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The Reynolds Center
for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity (TLC)
Stories That Matter, Stories That Move
“In 1996, Peter H. Reynolds founded Fable Vision as a social change agency to help move the world to a better place by creating "stories that matter, stories that move." At Fable Vision Studios, they create mission films that turn emotionally and socially complex topics into approachable messages that touch hearts and change minds.”
Click below to visit this impactful site
Find more fabulous stories at your local library! Here is the link for my local library…
Wright County Library
A resource for nurturing a love of reading
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