New Author

I just found this new author, Shannon Anderson, a primary teacher that understands kid challenges. These two books are perfect to lead a session with a child whose perfectionism is getting in the way or that child who is checked out because school is boring. Both books include an activity guide and tips and information to share with teachers and parents. They are both written at a second grade reading level and published by Free Spirit Publishing.

Making a Difference

We use several of Cheri Meiners books but this new one is my favorite. She offers some making a deference activities in the back of the book but others are available on her website cherijmeiners The book goes beyond kindness to explain the importance of a good attitude, helping others, and doing something useful. I will use it in a few groups this spring but it would be a great classroom lesson book to expand on the theme of kindness.

The Fruit Salad Friend

I use several books by Maria Dismondy so I was happy to get her latest release. A girl who always loved school noticed peers were no longer being kind. After struggling for a few days trying her usual strategies, she decides to look at relationships differently. This is a great book for girls in grade 2 and 3 struggling with "tricky" peers who are sometimes friends and sometimes mean. It points out that a smile can win over people. The book includes 10 tips for parents to help promote prosocial skills written by Dr. Michele Borba the author of Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kinds Succeed. I have already used this in a small friendship group in grade 3 and know this will become a favorite on my bookshelf.

Dr. Seuss Book

In honor of his birthday I wanted to share about my favorite of his many books, My Many Colored Days. It also lends itself beautifully to a Bulletin Board or Decorate Your Door for Read Across America Day. I have used this book in so many ways from K through grade 5. If you want a lesson plan for some solid extension activities check out csefel.vanderbilt.edu or theteacherscorner We do Second Step for classroom lessons so I usually use this book in one of my emotion regulation small groups.