My Top 3 Books to Support C.A.R.E.S. (Part 5: Self-Control)

Do you have a few students who need some lessons on self-control? Maybe more than a few?

Kids lacking in self-control aren't able to focus, are impulsive, and often make poor decisions which leaves them frustrated.

But here's the good news. I believe kids WANT to make good choices and they wish they could control their behaviors. They just don't know how to. Yet.

We need to help them find strategies that work and give them plenty of opportunities to use them.

Lucky for us, there are some good books that kids can identify with and see some strategies in action. If you're searching for some, in addition to "self-control," be sure to look up self-regulation.

Here are my Top 3 books I use to reinforce Self-Control:

1. What If Everybody Said That? written by Ellen Javernick and illustrated by Colleen M. Madden

I picked What if Everybody Did That? for Cooperation but I'm positive it could be featured here with this companion book.

Very much like the other book, it's not really a story but a series of events asking, "What if everbody said that?"

Leads to great discussions on self-control and when you lack it, the chaos that can follow. BTW, my kids loved learning and using the word chaos!

It's easy for the kids to understand the situations presented and they love joining in on the repetative phrase.

As a BONUS: When a child says a not-so-kind thought or a negative remark in class, my kids refer back to the book.

Snarky kid: "I'm the smartest kid in this class."
Rest of class: "What if everybody said that?"

2. My Mouth is a Volcano written by Julia Cook and illustrated by Carrie Hart

Get Louis a BLURT CHART!

STAT!

My kids really enjoy this book. Not only do I read it to them in September to help set the tone for sharing and reminders about calling out/needing self-control, my Guidance Counselor shares it with all classes later in the year.

Why is it a must have for me? Because my kids love it so much that many of them, when they START to have an explosion of their own, will cover their mouths and say, "My mouth almost exploded."

Now if I can just have them say that to themselves instead of the class!

Take a peek at this cute trailer to see what it's all about.

3. I Just Ate My Friend written and illustrated by Heidi McKinnon

If you're a Jon Klassen fan, you'll love this as much as me. Deadpan humor for sure. If you don't like I Want My Hat Back by Klassen, then don't bother reading any further. Just keeping it real!

This is short. Direct.And I love it! My kids have giggle fits when I read it.

The irony is fantastic and teh kids recognize it right away.

Would I say this has overt lessons on self-control like the others? Nope. Not happening here. Am I stretching it a bit?

You may think so but, hey...if you can't control yourself and EAT your friend, then isn't it worth discussing needing a little self-control?

It takes 2 minutes to read and I haven't mentioned "self-control" to my class at the end. THEY made the connection.

It's fun. It's silly. It's a huge winner in my classroom and I bet it would be in yours, too.

That's it, my friends.  Five days and 15 books recommended to you all focused around:

If you know of any new teachers or Guidance Counselors that may want to peek at these books, send them the link.

Have a great day!  (And weekend!)