Social and Emotional Growth
Kindness and Empathy
As your child is navigating the world as a social and emotional being, empathy and kindness are qualities that come naturally but can also be developed deeper. Below are some favorite books that address topics of caring for others and the self.
Read together aloud and discuss.
From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend.
Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today paints the image for your concrete learner that every person has an imaginary bucket that can be "filled" or "emptied" by our behavior and actions. Your child will be encouraged to be "bucket filler" by helping others with loving and thoughtful actions.
Outside is waiting, the most patient playmate of all. The most generous friend. The most miraculous inventor. This thought-provoking picture book poetically underscores our powerful and enduring connection with nature, not so easily obscured by lives spent indoors. Rhythmic, powerful language shows us how our world is made and the many ways Outside comes in to help and heal us, and reminds us that we are all part of a much greater universe. Emotive illustrations evoke the beauty, simplicity, and wonder that await us all . . . outside.