Recent Books

Here are a couple social stories that we read last week.  Mine - o -saur was brought in by a student.  I love when we learn from each other!  This was not a story I was familiar with, so I was very excited to read it.  It was about a dinosaur who did not want to share, and eventually he realizes that no one wants to play with him because he won't share.  In the end he decides that sharing is awesome!

"Don't Squeal unless it is a Big Deal" is a story we read each year to help the children learn the difference between coming to the teachers to get "someone in trouble" and coming to the teachers to get someone "out of trouble".  Peer conflict is a normal part of growing up and we are teaching the children skills to help them problem solve when conflicts arise.  We tell them to use their "I statements", if someone does something they don't like (takes a toy, says something mean) for example, " I don't like it when you always decide to be the mom, you should give someone else a turn".  We talk about what a big deal is, someone is hurting you or won't listen after you have told them to stop.  It is important for children to learn to be assertive and stand up for themselves, and not always look to an adult to solve their problems.  It helps build their confidence and resiliency.