Settling Into School and Beyond
Most children are now well into the school year. We tend to focus our attention on the first days and weeks of school, as everything at that time is new for most children (teachers, classmates, and sometimes schools). It is important to recognize that children can face a range of challenges with their peers, teachers, and themselves at any time for the year. The following books provide opportunities for exploration of these issues with children and offer up strategies for positive outcomes.
The Day You Begin
Written by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Rafael López
The Day You Begin gently explores the many challenges that young children face when they feel different from other children at school. For some it is their appearance, or how they spent their summer vacation, or where their family comes from, or what they bring for lunch, or not being picked to play with other children, or self-doubt. Jacqueline Woodson beautifully crafts a message of finding one’s voice, and how, by sharing our experiences, we can learn to embrace our similarities and differences. Rafael López’s rich and vibrant illustrations integrate rulers throughout as the young characters seek to measure up to their peers. Pay close attention to the illustrations, as they send subtle messages of strength, resilience, and confidence as well.
Jacqueline Woodson Reads "The Day You Begin" | Bookmarks | Netflix Jr
Your Name is a Song
Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Illustrated by Luisa Uribe
After a difficult first day at school, a young girl confides in her mother that no one could pronounce her name, including her teacher. The girl’s mother takes her on an adventure through their neighborhood, as she teaches her daughter that her name, and all names are songs. They explore names of many cultures, and even made-up names that come from, “dreamers” whose “real names were stolen long ago . . .” Luisa Uribe’s gentle, pastel illustrations beautifully capture the whimsical mother-daughter adventure. The next day the girl returns to school and shares her name songs, changing the attitudes of her peers as well as her teacher. A glossary with the origins of the names featured in the books and their phonetic pronunciations is included, along with an author note on the importance of pronouncing people’s names correctly.
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow has created a video in which she pronounces the names that appear in the book.
I am Human
Written by Susan Verde, Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
In this simple, yet powerful book, Susan Verde explores the unique characteristics that make us human. The book follows its young central character’s exploration of what it means to be human: always learning, being curious, making mistakes, and being challenged. As the book moves from celebration of the uniqueness of humans to the doubt and fears that also make us human, Peter H. Reynolds’ simple illustrations go from full color to bluish/gray to match the mood of the content. The final messages reminds us that through friends and family, care, compassion, listening, and being of help to others, we are our best version of human. An author’s note includes some simple meditations to focus on loving-kindness.
Beyond the Books
Managing the stress that is part of our day-to-day lives is important to our physical health and general well-being. One of the best ways to counteract the negative effects of stress is to slow down and engage in quite time (reading, resting), getting outdoors, and exercise. Here are 7 stress relief techniques for kids (including handouts), and a Stress Relief Video Series narrated by children. The strategies presented can be helpful to adults a well. Consider practicing these techniques with your children and RELAX.