Social Emotional Learning is more important than ever! Picture books are an amazing way to teach SEL skills in the classroom. Here are some of my favorite SEL picture books to share with your class!
I’m sharing all of these books on video too! Check out the Social Emotional Learning Books video on my YouTube channel:
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SEL Picture Books
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Strictly No Elephants is a great book for teaching students about including others. A young boy is so excited to go to a pet club meeting with this pet elephant. But, when he gets there, a sign on the door states that no elephants are allowed. Sadly, he walks away.
He meets up with a young girl who wasn’t accepted into the pet club either with her pet skunk. Together, they decide to create their own club that everyone is invited to join!
Grab the interactive read aloud for Strictly No Elephants here!
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
In Be Kind, a young girl spills grape juice all over her dress. One of her classmates wants to reach out and be kind…but doesn’t know how. They then wonder what it means to be kind. The book goes on to share different ways to show kindness in everyday life.
Grab the free lesson plan for Be Kind here!
Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle
Drum Dream Girl is a powerful book to discuss perseverance with your students. The girl in the book has a dream to play the drums. Unfortunately, at this time in Cuba, girls were not allowed to play drums. She doesn’t let that stop her from achieving her dreams though! Based on a true story, Drum Dream Girl will start some great conversations in your classroom.
Grab the interactive read aloud for Drum Dream Girl here!
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is one of my favorite characters! In Jabari Jumps, he really wants to jump off the high dive. But…it’s really high! This is a great book to read aloud when discussing strengths and challenges with your students.
Grab the free lesson for Jabari Jumps here!
Oona by Kelly DiPucchio
Oona is a brand new book and a great one to talk about solving problems. She and her friend Otto love to search for treasures under the sea. But there is one extra special treasure that they just can’t get. Through a lot of trial and error, they finally figure it out!
SEL Picture Book List
SEL picture books are such an important tool to use in the classroom. So I’ve pulled together over 180 SEL picture book titles for you! Grab the free SEL picture book list here!
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