My 3 Favorite Books to Support C.A.R.E.S. (Part 2: Assertion)

Teaching kids to be assertive is no easy task. If we want kids to use their voices to advocate for themselves and others, we need to help them find their words and feel confident using them.

Today, I'm going to share a few books I use for teaching ASSERTIVENESS.

NOTE: There are so many book lists you can Google on the topic so I'm sharing my top 3 that have served my class well.

1. Say Something! Written and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

This is a newer book having only been published in the last year.  I was able to share it with my kids in February BUT from this point forward, it will be my intro to teaching ASSERTION.

Peter Reynolds, the author of The Dot, Ish, So Few of Me, etc., is a genius.

GENIUS x 1000!

He explains such complex concepts in simple, relatable words.  Who doesn't appreciate that???

This book proves that EVERYONE has something to say and you can communicate that through words, actions, or creativity.

 Your powerful words can be a whisper or shouted from the rooftop,

"If you see an empty canvas, say it with a brush."

"If you see an empty lot, say something with seeds."

"If you see someone feeling hurt, be brave and speak up. Say something."

Truly a perfect must-purchase the book right now that you'll read over and over again.

2. Noni Say No Written by Heather Hartt-Sussman and illustrated by Genevieve Cote.

Noni is usually pretty confident when she's at home.  But when her friend Susie is around, Noni simply can't say no.  

She's a "yes" girl and can't stick up for herself.  Always trying to please Susie means that Noni isn't taking care of herself.

Since "Taking Care of Yourself" is one of our class rules, this book helps me show the kids exactly what it means to do so.

Without fail, each year, I have a few girls who are a lot like Noni.  They're so worried about pleasing others that they turn into a completely different person when a particular friend is around. 

At 

six 

years 

old!

I want them to find their voice and be more assertive.  Say,"NO" when needed which is what Noni finally does.

Not only do I read this book, I often send it home with a note attached for parents to reread to child.

3. Noni Speaks Up (Same author/illustrator)

Now that Noni has found her voice and advocates for herself, she's having trouble speaking up/advocating for her friend, Hector.  

Since our second class rule is, "Take care of each other.," this is the perfect springboard for introducing and reinforcing the rule.  

This is a natural follow-up and has been a positive talking point in my class.  

Teaching assertiveness, along with all social skills, needs to be practiced over and over again.

I hope you found a new book to help you with teaching assertiveness to your kids.  If you did, or have one to recommend to me, please let me know in the comments.

Here were my Top 3 for COOPERATION.

If you know a teacher who might just be starting out in an Responsive Classroom school or in need of a few books dealing with assertiveness, please send them this link.  

I'll be back tomorrow to share my book choices to help kids learn about RESPONSIBILITY.

Happy reading!