Search results for ""Free Spirit Publishing""

Be prepared to respond to a wide range of potentially tough questions and sensitive concerns posed by young children. To work with young children is to constantly expect the unexpected. Tough questions are part of early childhood educators regular interactions with children and families. Based on children s actual questions, Big Conversations with Little Children is readily accessible with guidelines for having difficult conversations with children, individually or as a classroom or group, and with families. The book provides guidance on how to approach specific topics related to: family, such as unemployment, divorce, and incarceration illness and death, such as loss of an unborn child, major illness in a child, and death of a pet social issues, such as racism, family structures, and gender fluidity upheaval and violence, such as natural disaster, terror events, and school shootingsFully based in developmentally appropriate practice, Big Conversations with Little Children helps educators support young children in a way that preserves their dignity and innocence when they encounter world and social events in addition to honoring the family s preferred approach. An expert in the field of early childhood education, author Dr. Lauren Starnes empowers educators and families to answer sensitive or tough questions children pose, respond to their worries and concerns, and be prepared for an ongoing dialogue. Digital content includes family take-home information sheets for each topic.

Read more less

"Sometimes I feel up and down . . . and up again-- all in one day!" This reassuring book helps young children identify and understand emotions in terms of up feelings (like happy and loved) and down feelings (like sad and afraid). With straightforward words and warm illustrations, the book guides children to recognize that feelings change and that their own actions can often make a difference in how they feel. When their feelings are too big for them, children can ask for help, talk about things, spend some quiet time . . . or help someone else. Learning About Me & You Series Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in, too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

Read more less

a In this story illustrating the reality of childhood hunger and food insecurity, Lulu invites kids into her world to help them understand what it's like to battle the Hunger Monster. Lulu and the Hunger Monster delivers the right message at the right time, helping readers recognize the problem of childhood hunger and moving them to find solutions.a ?a Jeff Bridges, actor and anti-hunger advocateWhen Lulua s mothera s van breaks down, money for food becomes tight and the Hunger Monster comes into their lives. Only visible to Lulu, Hunger Monster is a troublemaker who makes it hard for her to concentrate in school. How will Lulu help her mom and defeat the Monster when Lulu has promised never to speak the monstera s name to anyone?This realistica and hopefula story of food insecurity builds awareness of the issue of childhood hunger, increases empathy for people who are food insecure, and demonstrates how anyone can help end hunger. Lulu and the Hunger Monstera empowers children to destigmatize the issue of hunger before the feeling turns into shame.The author combines years of experience fighting hunger as a food bank CEO with an MFA in writing for young children to craft an honest story of how poverty and food insecurity can affect adults and their children. Lulua s story addresses the effects of hunger on learning and can be used in group settings to address social justice issues in an accessible and encouraging way.Lulu and the Hunger Monster has been awarded the International Literacy Associationa s 2021 Social Justice Literature Award and a 2020 Foreword INDIES Honorable Mention, Picture Books, Early Reader (Children's).

Read more less

Positive, practical, you-can-do-it advice to help kids of all abilities achieve their goals and build a growth mindset. Everyone faces challenges obstacles to overcome, exciting goals to meet and it s easy to get stuck on the negatives. Mindset Power shows kids how to change the way they think about their challenges so they can grow from them, feel better about themselves, and get better at the things they try. With an introduction to growth mindset, the book offers information on how to set goals, overcome self-doubt, and build resilience. Full of journal prompts to Jot Your Thoughts and suggestions of Something to Try, the book empowers kids to tackle not only their big exciting dreams, but also the daily tasks they may dread or put off. Kids can do more and be more when they believe in themselves. Building on insight from the author s years of teaching growth mindset in the classroom, Mindset Power is a positive, practical, you-can-do-it guide to accomplishing goals and building a better mindset for kids of all abilities. Digital content includes handouts for activities found in the book.

Read more less

Help underserved high-potential students claim their right to an education that addresses their unique needs. In gifted education, an important and contentious issue that has yet to be sufficiently addressed is the systemic underrepresentation of gifted students who have been discriminated against in school-based gifted and advanced learner programs because of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other realities. Empowering Underrepresented Gifted Students gives a voice to those students and brings their stories into focus. With chapters written by student and expert scholars who specialize in addressing the structural inequity and educational inequality in gifted and advanced learner programs, Empowering Underrepresented Gifted Students recommends practices and strategies for helping underserved high-potential students claim their right to an education that addresses their unique needs. Each chapter has key takeaways and discussion questions, providing a built-in book study guide to prepare educators to engage students in conversation and to help develop their self-advocacy skills. Coeditors Dr. Joy Lawson Davis and Deb Douglas have brought together the voices of experts and students to help educators move closer to ensuring equity, access, and excellence in gifted education. By arming historically marginalized gifted students with self-advocacy strategies, these remarkable students will be better enabled to fulfill their dreams.

Read more less

Activities, exercises, and questions invite teens to go deeper into the stories and issues of the updated edition of The Struggle to Be Strong. Designed for use with the anthology The Struggle to Be Strong, this leader s guide explains how to use the stories in the student book to build teens resiliency. Activities, exercises, role plays, and questions about the issues in The Struggle to Be Strong help students go deeper into the stories, reflect on them, relate them to their lives, recognize their own potential for resilience, and start building resilience skills. Introductory materials offer guidelines for group leadership and provide leaders with more information about the seven resiliencies: insight independence relationships initiative creativity humor morality

Read more less

Sometimes things seem hard, and my feelings are really big. Strong emotions can be overwhelming for young children, and at times they need help identifying and coping with what they're feeling. I want to feel peaceful. I won't hit or hurt.

Read more less

Positive and friendly, this board book encourages toddlers to recognize some of the many ways they can help others. From simple gestures like giving comfort to a friend to bigger tasks that involve working with others, children see that they're big enough now to help in a big way.

Read more less

Revised and updated edition helps educators increase rigor and depth for all advanced and gifted learners to fulfill their potential. With increasing numbers of students receiving gifted services every year, it s more important than ever for differentiated instruction to go beyond adjusting content levels, task complexity, or product choice it must truly challenge and support learners on all levels: academic, social, and emotional. This award-winning resource in the field of gifted education has been revised and updated to include: a discussion of underserved learners particularly English language learners, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and economically disadvantaged students updated information on learning standards, MTSS, and universal screening new guidelines for honors courses a focus on scholarly questioning, ethics, and empathy a novel new strategy to increase curricular depth and complexity information on learning orientations new research on neurological differences of gifted learners the pros and cons of co-teaching and how to assess its progress new tools to increase achievement, plus a discussion of underlearning the benefits of coaching and lesson study the authors perspectives on and guidelines for grading Downloadable digital content includes customizable reproducible forms and a PDF presentation; a free PLC/Book Study Guide for use in professional development is also available.

Read more less

English-Spanish bilingual edition teaches the basics of cooperation, getting along, making friends, and being a friend. Learning how to make friends and getting along with others are not always easy to do. You have to make an effort, and you have to know the rules like ask before joining in, take turns, play fair, and be a good sport. This book teaches social skills for children using the basics of cooperation, getting along, making friends, and being a friend. A special section in both English and Spanish includes questions for discussion and ideas for activities and games adults can use with children to reinforce the social skills being taught.Learning to Get Along Bilingual Editions Now children and adults can enjoy our most popular Learning to Get Along books in English and Spanish. Children will learn, understand, and practice basic social and emotional skills. Real-life scenarios, lots of diversity, and captivating illustrations make these read-aloud books perfect for home and child care settings, as well as schools and special education. These bilingual editions provide the complete text from the original books, including discussion and activity guides for adults, in both languages.

Read more less

Updated third edition offers sensitive advice and genuine understanding for teens coping with grief and loss. The death of a friend is a wrenching event for anyone at any age and can spark feelings that range from sadness to guilt to anxiety. Teenagers especially need help coping with grief and loss. This sensitive book answers questions grieving teens often have, like How should I be acting? How long will this last? and What if I can t handle my grief on my own? The book also addresses the complicated emotions that can accompany the death of an acquaintance, as opposed to a close friend. The advice is gentle, non-preachy, and compassionate; recommended for parents and teachers of teens who have experienced a painful loss. This updated edition of a classic resource includes new quotes from teens as well as insights into losing a friend or an acquaintance in a school shooting or through other violence. The book also features updated resources and recommended reading, including information on suicide hotlines and other support for anyone in crisis.

Read more less

Latest edition of the go-to classroom resource since 1992 for reaching and challenging gifted students. This fourth edition of the orange bible brings fresh updates to the definitive guide to meeting the learning needs of gifted students in the mixedabilities classroom seamlessly and effectively with minimal preparation time. Included are practical, classroom-tested strategies and step-by-step instructions for how to use them. The book provides information on: Compacting and differentiating skill work and new content Extending reading and writing instruction Planning curriculum for all students at the same time Supporting self-directed independent study Supporting curriculum standards and increasing curriculum rigor Boosting critical and creative thinking skills Using assessments to help students demonstrate what they already know Using technology for accelerated learning and to benefit twice-exceptional (2e) students Serving gifted kids with special needs Managing cluster groupingDigital content includes a full chapter for parents as well as a PDF presentation for professional development, reproducible forms ready to customize and print for classroom use, and additional extension menus for the primary and upper grades.

Read more less

This invaluable resource offers teachers in elementary and secondary schools a deeper understanding of 'what works' when teaching students with disabilities in general education classrooms.

Read more less

A lively read from a working teacher offers practical engagement strategies for students with attention challenges If learning is a motor, student engagement is the key. But when teaching students with ADHD and other attention challenges, sometimes even the most finely tuned classroom can sputter. Teach for Attention! is your tool belt of teaching strategies for students with ADHD, low self-confidence, distraction, and other attention challenges. Dozens of true classroom stories show the strategies in action. It s all about making simple fixes so you can reach every student without changing your approach or revamping your curriculum. Carry these ideas with you like tools on a belt the right one will be there when you need it!

Read more less

Teach social skills and enrich classrooms to reduce problem behaviors and nurture growth. When teachers create environments that teach skills rather than punish individual actions, they reduce behavior problems and nurture the growth of all learners. This book expertly guides early childhood teachers to analyze their classroom elements, routines, and responses to children. Much like gardeners who adjust soil, water, or fertilizer to help flowers bloom, educators of young children must look beyond challenging behaviors to what a child s actions are communicating about her learning environment or home life. Digital content includes all forms from the book along with a PDF presentation. A free PLC/Book Study Guide for use with communities of practice is available at freespirit.com/PLC.

Read more less

Award-winning teacher offers advice on achieving work-life balance and employing self-care techniques to avoid burnout. It wasn t long after being named North Carolina History Teacher of the year that Justin Ashley started noticing signs of burnout. He knew he needed to make some radical changes in how he handled his work and personal life. In The Balanced Teacher Path, Justin shares his personal story illuminating how easy it is to give your job everything you ve got and leave yourself with nothing outside of school and shows new teachers and veterans alike the self-care techniques they can employ to create work-life balance and prevent burnout. With equal parts humor and wisdom, Justin analyzes four key aspects of every teacher s life career, social, physical, and financial and offers practical advice to bring these areas into sync, reigniting a passion for teaching in the process.

Read more less

No one wants to be picked on, pushed around, threatened, or teased. With practical suggestions and humor, kids will learn to stop bullying in its tracks. Refreshed to reflect the latest research, this updated classic reassures kids that it s not their fault if they are bullied and describes realistic ways to become Bully-Proof. It shows how bystanders can stand up for others and how to get help in dangerous situations. Even kids who bully will find ideas they can use to get along with others and feel good about themselves without making other people miserable.

Read more less

Ollie has a big imagination and big plans for summer. But no one in his family wants to go outside and play. Dad is sending emails, Mom is watching TV, Ollie s siblings are playing video games and texting even Gram and Gramps are too busy downloading photos. Too much screen time! How can Ollie get his family to shut off their gadgets and play together? In our technology-focused world, more kids than ever turn to screens for information and entertainment just like their parents. By the time children are eight, they spend seven or more hours a day with screens and electronics. Ollie Outside invites kids and parents to read together, get outdoors, and focus on family fun. Tips at the end of the book reinforce this message.

Read more less

Imagination and motivation are key to young children s happiness and health. Thinking about dreams and goals can help children cope with challenges when they arise and view life through a hopeful lens. With this encouraging book, nurture children s imaginations and help them enjoy taking responsibility for their choices and goals. Back matter includes advice for motivating kids and teaching about goal setting at home, at school, and in childcare. Being the Best Me! Series From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along series comes the next book in this one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first seven books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, forgiveness, and goal-setting. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

Read more less

Encourage teens to recognize the importance of voting and making their voices heard in the democratic process with this timely book focused on Supreme Court decisions that came down to a single vote. Chapters examine key Supreme Court rulings and explore how these cases have affected the lives and rights of U.S. citizens especially teens. Using a straightforward, impartial tone, the authors take a close look at often controversial cases and at the history of voting in the United States. The emphasis is involvement in local and national elections as well as other ways to be an engaged citizen. With an accompanying digital discussion guide, the book is a perfect choice for teachers and youth leaders to offer teens in the upcoming 2016 presidential election cycle.

Read more less

Knowing how to listen is essential to learning, growing, and getting along with others. This gentle, encouraging book introduces and explains what listening means, why it s important, and how to listen well. Realistic examples and inviting full-color illustrations bring the concepts to life. The focus throughout is on the positive results of being a good listener. Made to be read aloud, this book also includes a special section for adults, with ways to reinforce the skills being taught, questions to invite lively discussion, and listening games to play. Now children and adults can enjoy our most popular Learning to Get Along books in English and Spanish. The series helps children learn, understand, and practice basic emotional and social skills. Real-life situations, lots of diversity, and concrete examples make these read-aloud books appropriate for all homes, childcare settings, and primary classrooms as well as special education, including settings with children on the autism spectrum. Presented in a social story format, each of the bilingual Learning to Get Along books includes a special bilingual section for adults, with discussion questions, games, activities, and tips that reinforce improving social skills.

Read more less

At times, all children need a little help getting along with others and respecting differences at school, in the neighborhood, at home, and on the playground. Teaching tolerance and encouraging acts of kindness through clear words and charming illustrations, We Can Get Along supports children s development with simple yet essential skills for conflict resolution and peacemaking. The book includes activities and discussion questions that teachers, parents, and other adults can use to further explore the topic with young children.

Read more less

Help children develop the attitudes and skills of courage and assertiveness in order to make wise choices and work through challenges. Children learn to do what they think is right and be brave, even if it s hard. They learn to distinguish between expectations set by trusted adults and hurtful, wrong, or dangerous things adults or children might pressure them to do. The book also highlights trying new things, taking reasonable risks, and speaking up.Being the Best Me! Series From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along books comes a one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first six books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

Read more less

Pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo. You see me and I see you! Celebrate baby's busy day with this fun and playful book. Babies will enjoy and respond to the happy sounds and joyful movements depicted. Gurgle, babble, grunt, and coo. Watch how Daddy waves to you! A rollicking playtime book to delight babies, parents, and caregivers.As the

Read more less

It s hard for children to accept not getting their way. Sam hates when his brother cries or his dad is too busy to play. When he loses his place in Musical Chairs, Sam cries, I hate everything! With the help of his aunt, Sam learns new ways to deal with his anger and feel better.Our Emotions and Behavior seriesThe Our Emotions and Behavior series uses cheerful brightly illustrated stories to help kids understand how their emotions and actions are related and how they can learn to manage both. At the end of each book, a two-page series of pictures invites kids to tell a story in their own words. A special section for adults suggests discussion questions and ideas for guiding children to talk about their feelings.

Read more less

Potty training for kids takes patience and practice, and this charming, straightforward book helps pave the way. With Diapers Are Not Forever/Los panales no son para siempre, young children learn in both English and Spanish how to use the potty and why it's time to do so, while gaining the courage and confidence to face this importan

Read more less

Building Everyday Leadership in All Kids emphasizes that anyone can be a leader and it s never too early to start learning what leadership means and how to lead. This resource engages all emerging leaders, at all emotional and academic levels, by taking a full, practical approach to building personal and group leadership attitudes. The easy-to-use activities, in categories such as Understanding Leadership, Communication, Working with Others, Problem Solving, and Making a Difference, are designed to promote group interaction, build self-confidence, and allow students to explore personal understanding. Many activities are grouped for grades K 3 or 4 6, while others can be used with some minor adaptations for any age in the range. A special set of activities is specifically geared toward kids who are transitioning to middle school. Digital content includes customizable reproducible forms.

Read more less

Everyone gets angry, so it s never too early for children to learn to recognize feelings of anger, express them, and build skills for coping with anger in helpful, appropriate ways. Children learn that it is okay to feel angry but not okay to hurt anyone with actions or words. They discover concrete skills for working through anger: self-calming, thinking, getting help from a trusted person, talking and listening, apologizing, being patient, and viewing others positively. Reassuring and supportive, the book helps preschool and primary-age children see that when they cool down and work through anger, they can feel peaceful again.

Read more less

Help young children explore the ways people experience grief when someone dies.Gentle and reassuring, What Does Grief Feel Like? shares the many ways people can grieve when a loved one dies and validates children s unique grief experiences. Open-ended questions throughout the book invite children to share what they are thinking, feeling, and going through: *What did you feel after your special person died? *What happens when your grief gets too big? *What do you do in your family and community to help your grief?Dr. Korie Leigh has spent over sixteen years specializing in working with children and families experiencing grief and loss, and she wrote What Does Grief Feel Like? from a child development perspective, with developmentally appropriate vocabulary. A caregiver s guide provides helpful information on developmental stages, expressions, and behaviors of grief in children.

Read more less

A toolbox of twenty-one strategies kids can use to get along with others. Every child could use help with social skills and making friends. This book provides twenty-one concrete strategies children can use to express themselves, build relationships, end arguments and fights, halt bullying, and beat unhappy feelings. It s like a toolbox of kid-friendly social skills just open it up and pull out tools like: Mighty Might, which takes all the fun out of teasing Thought Chop, which helps kids resist self-defeating thoughts Squeaky Wheel, a type of persistence that gets results Coin Toss, a simple way to resolve small conflictsEach tool is clearly described, illustrated with true-to-life examples, and accompanied by dialogue and lines children can practice and use. Authentic stories and anecdotes show each tool in action. This revised and updated second edition incorporates electronic communication, cyberbullying, and social media with age-appropriate guidelines and stories. A note to adults includes up-to-date research on and recommendations for social skills and bullying. For kids, Speak Up and Get Along! makes learning social skills accessible and fun.

Read more less

With the newest paperback addition to the Best Behavior series, children develop strategies to make waiting less frustrating and learn that patience is a virtue. Children are often waiting for the school bus, their turn on the slide, or their birthday and waiting can be frustrating! But learning to be patient and developing self-control will equip children with tools for success in school and in social settings. With vivid illustrations and simple strategies, this reassuring book helps children learn to delay gratification and make waiting more fun without relying on electronics. With her trademark mix of empathy and encouragement, author Elizabeth Verdick provides activities and ideas for children like observing the world around them, inventing new games, and anticipating what s to come that can be adapted for any situation. In this addition to the best-selling Best Behavior series, children will learn how to avoid boredom and replace whining words with waiting words: This will be worth the wait! A section for adults includes tips and activities to foster patience in children.Best Behavior Series The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby to preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages four to seven. Bilingual board books and paperback editions are available for select titles. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

Give young children strategies to ease anxieties and worries and feel better again. Everyone feels worried at times, and young children are no exception. Friendly and reassuring, this book geared to preschool and primary children explains what worries are and how it feels to be worried. The book assures children that lots of kids and grown-ups feel worried, and that they can learn to make their worries smaller and smaller and smaller. Talking about worries, moving around, keeping hands busy, breathing deeply, getting a big hug, and thinking good thoughts are all ways for children to cope with worries. The book includes a special section for parents and caregivers with activities and discussion starters.Best Behavior Series The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages 4 7. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

It s fun to find ways I m like you and you re like me. It s fun to find ways we re different. In this colorful, inviting book, kids from preschool to lower elementary learn about diversity in terms they can understand: hair that s straight or curly, families with many people or few, bodies that are big or small. With its wide-ranging examples and fun, highly detailed art, I m Like You, You re Like Me helps kids appreciate the ways they are alike and affirm their individual differences. A two-page adult section in the back provides tips and activities for parents and caregivers to reinforce the themes and lessons of the book.

Read more less

Luisa is repeatedly teased and called "weird" by her classmate Sam, even though she is simply being herself laughing with her friends, answering questions in class, greeting her father in Spanish, and wearing her favorite polka-dot boots. Luisa initially reacts to the bullying by withdrawing and hiding her colorful nature. But with the support of her teachers, parents, classmates, and one special friend named Jayla, she is able to reclaim her color and resist Sam s put-downs.The Weird! SeriesThese three books tell the story of an ongoing case of bullying from three third graders perspectives. Luisa describes being targeted by bullying in Weird! Jayla shares her experience as a bystander to bullying in Dare! And in Tough!, Sam speaks from the point of view of someone initiating bullying. Kids will easily relate to Luisa, Jayla, and Sam, as each girl has her own unique experience, eventually learning how to face her challenges with the help of friends, peers, and caring adults.Part of the Bully Free Kids line

Read more less

Perfectionism may seem like a worthy goal, but it s actually a burden. When you believe you must be perfect, you live in constant fear of making mistakes. Most children don t know what perfectionism is, yet many suffer from it. Nothing they do is ever good enough. School assignments are hard to start or hand in. Relationships are challenging, and self-esteem is low. Written to and for ages 9 13, this book helps kids understand how perfectionism hurts them and how to free themselves. Includes true-to-life vignettes, exercises, and a note to grown-ups.

Read more less

Empathy is key to positive, healthy relationships. This book builds empathy in children. In clear, child-friendly words and illustrations, it helps them to understand that other people have feelings like theirs--and different from theirs. It guides children to show they care by listening to others and respecting their feelings. Includes questions to discuss and empathy games to play.

Read more less

Master flexible grouping and differentiation strategies to challenge every learner, every day. Grouping learners purposefully throughout the school day based on their needs and the curriculum remains the single best way to differentiate instruction. This award-winning guide will help teachers expertly use flexible grouping and differentiation strategies to respond to students diverse learning needs, abilities, and interests. Included are methods for creating groups based on assessment data, planning group lessons and tiered assignments, engaging learners at all levels, supporting personalized learning, grading collaborative work, and communicating with parents about the benefits of groupwork and productive struggle. Digital content contains all forms from the book and a PDF presentation. A free online PLC/Book Study Guide is available at freespirit.com/PLC.

Read more less

A story that helps with teaching boundaries.Asking for permission is a key foundation of consent. We Ask Permission builds children s social and emotional skills and helps with teaching boundaries by encouraging children to look for body language cues and by asking before hugging or touching others. The third book in the We Say What s Okay series, We Ask Permission follows Jovan as he learns to ask permission and become a body language detective. Using the book as a read-aloud, educators and families can model the language Jovan s teachers use to support children as they learn to look for body language cues and respect the personal boundaries of others. The author, who hosts workshops and trainings on teaching boundaries and consent for families and early childhood educators around the country, offers additional activities in the back of the book. Digital content includes a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.We Say What's Okay SeriesCentered on a class of preschoolers, the We Say What s Okay series helps teach young children the social and emotional skills they need to understand the complexities of consent. Each book covers a consent theme, such as how to recognize the physical sensations that emotions create, look for body language cues, ask for and listen to choices, and know that our bodies have value. With believable, everyday situations and diverse characters, children can see themselves and others reflected in each story and develop a vocabulary to communicate consent and feelings. Every book in the series is accompanied by a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.

Read more less

Ten easy-to-learn strategies to help kids ease the pain of teasing and stand up for themselves.Teasing happens to lots and lots (and lots!) of kids. Every day. Sometimes that teasing can be fun, but other times it hurts. Ease the Tease helps young readers recognize what hurtful teasing sounds and feels like and provides simple but powerful ideas for dealing with teasing. How many ways can children ease the tease? Inside the book, readers will find not one . . . not two . . . but ten helpful ways to ease the tease: Two ways using pure brainpower Three ways to try right away Four ways with the element of . . . surprise! And, finally, one way with the help of a grown-up (because sometimes asking for help is the right thing to do)Children can try out these useful and memorable strategies, practice them, and team up with others to ease the tease. A glossary of terms at the back of the book empowers children with the vocabulary they need.Little Laugh & Learn SeriesSelf-help, kid-style! Kids ages six to nine can tote these handy guides anywhere and boost their skills. With practical advice, silly jokes, fun illustrations, and a kid-centric point of view, these books are the go-to for help with everything, from triumphing over teasing to learning to be a fantastic friend to becoming a self-confidence superstar, and more!

Read more less

What s the best way to solve problems between people? By talking them over and working them out. It s never too soon for children to learn the process of peaceful conflict resolution. This book distills it into clear, simple language and supporting illustrations. Children learn to calm themselves, state the problem, listen, think of solutions, try one, evaluate results, and even agree to disagree when a solution isn t possible. Includes skill-building games and role plays for adults to use with children.

Read more less

Young children learn that everybody cries, how crying can help them, and ways they can cope with challenging feelings.

Read more less

Help autistic kids understand their unique gifts and needs and learn strategies for daily living in a neurotypical world. This positive, straightforward reference book offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Freshly updated, the content reflects changes in the understanding of ASD since the book was first released, including clarification that Asperger's syndrome is no longer a specific diagnosis and what this means for readers. The book also features new stories of young people with autism and an added chapter, "Tech Talk." Some children with ASD are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others want to be social. Some get stuck on things, have intense interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ( stims ). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions ( What is ASD? Why me? ) and provides strategies for communicating, staying safe and smart online, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, and resources. Sections for parents offer additional information.Survival Guides for Kids Helping Kids Help Themselves Straightforward, friendly, and loaded with practical advice, the Free Spirit Survival Guides for Kids give kids the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive. With plenty of realistic examples and bright illustrations, they are accessible, encouraging, kid-friendly, and even life-changing.

Read more less

As parents and teachers know, yelling comes naturally to children. This friendly, encouraging book, geared to preschool and primary children, introduces and reinforces where and when to use an indoor voice or an outdoor voice. In classic Best Behavior style the author tells young readers, Your voice is a powerful tool. How you use it is up to you. Vivid illustrations show the times and places for an indoor voice, the ways people ask us to quiet our voices, and times when yelling might occur. What happens if you re mad or frustrated or really, really excited? Your voice gets louder and LOUDER. But yelling hurts people s ears and feelings. Children learn that they can quiet their voice and use their words to talk about a problem. Think before you yell, and use your words well! Includes a special section for parents and caregivers with activities and discussion starters. The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages 4 7. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

We've all seen it--the nose-picking habit starts as early as the toddler years, and no child is the exception. Young children pick their noses for a variety of reasons, from colds to allergies to curiosity or boredom. This board book for toddlers and preschoolers is the answer to the age-old question "How can I get my child not to pick, especially not in public?" With gentle humor and kid-friendly support, this board book for toddlers and preschoolers helps guide little ones away from nose picking toward healthier habits, like using a tissue and washing their hands. Catchy words help children remember what to do; vibrant full-color illustrations bring the words to life. Throughout, the positive message shines through: noses are for breathing, sniffing, smelling . . . but not for picking!

Read more less

An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation. Being dropped off at childcare or cared for by a baby-sitter means saying good-bye to Mom or Dad--and for many toddlers, bye-bye is a big deal. This gentle book helps ease the transition with simple rituals: hugs and kisses, a big wave, a deep breath, and the confidence to seek comfort with the new caregiver or other children. Toddlers learn that good-bye isn't forever, it's just for a while. Part of the Toddler Tools series, Bye-Bye Time can be shared before (or during) the desired "time," or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

"Put away the wiggles. Put away the giggles. Listening works better when your body's calm and still." When it's time for young children to listen closely, this book sets the tone. They discover that it's important to open their eyes and ears but to close their mouths ("zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket") so good listening can begin. An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation. Part of the Toddler Tools series, Listening Time can be shared before (or during) the desired "time," or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

Everything has a place. Things last longer when we take care of them. Respect, responsibility, and stewardship are concepts that even young children can relate to because they have things they value. This book encourages children to pick up after themselves, put things back where they belong, and ask permission to use things that don t belong to them. It also teaches simple environmental awareness: respecting and taking care of the earth. Includes ideas for adult-led activities and discussions.

Read more less

Young children learn that everybody cries, how crying can help them, and ways they can cope with challenging feelings.

Read more less