Teaching Ideas

Social Emotional Learning

Springboard Discussions

  • Introduce this Meet-the-Author Recording with Eric and Terry Fan, authors of The Night Gardener, and discuss the ripple effect of one’s actions.

  • Hold a book study on The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin and use this book club guide to facilitate discussions on school rules and more.

  • View this video book trailer for The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires and talk about the importance of taking a break or going for a walk to clear the mind and make space for something spectacular.

Model Behaviors

  • Explore the book guides for I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët to inspire students to stand up to bullying.

  • Use this Meet-the-Author Recording from Meghan MacLean Weir for The Book of Essie to guide discussion about social media health and responsibility.

  • Refer to this Thanks A Million teacher’s guide by Nikki Grimes to spark conversation about being thankful and ways to express your gratitude.

Celebrate Differences

  • Use this lesson plan from The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and Kelly DiPucchio to demonstrate the importance of embracing differences and respecting others.

  • Listen to this audio excerpt from Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan to initiate conversations about celebrating differences and accepting who you are and where you came from.

  • Tune in to this Meet-the-Author Recording for Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson and discuss how inspiring perseverance and hard work can be.