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Perhaps more than ever before, Social-Emotional Learning is at the forefront of the minds of everyone involved in education. The following picture books address a variety of social-emotional learning. These authors deliver their messages in effective, resonant ways that speak to the elementary learner. Stock your shelves with these Ten Picture Books to Teach Social Emotional Learning. These titles are appropriate for all ages at the elementary level! Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig Brian is the invisible boy. Although everyone can physically see him, nobody includes him in their games or activities.  When new student Justin arrives and teams up with Brian on a project, it changes Brian’s life and shows everyone how much he has to offer. This is a great book to share that will especially speak to the introverts in your library classes or school.  Enemy Pie by Derek Munson Jeremy Ross moved into the neighborhood,
My favorite May picture books does not have any type of theme. This list is more of a mish-mash of some of my favorite read alouds. Usually by this time in the school year my library is closed for testing and I am going to classrooms for library time. This is also the time for field trips. The books I end up using for read alouds go along with their field trips (usually the zoo) as well as high-interest books. These include books that are funny or silly as well as some engaging nonfiction. It’s tough to keep students on task as the end of the year approaches. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure policy for more information. HOW TO CATCH A UNICORN
Spring is finally here! The birds are chirping and my tulips are blooming. The books on my April read-aloud list are guaranteed to put a spring in your step! They celebrate Earth Day and Easter. There are also books about gardening and birds and flowers. KENYA’S ART BY LINDA TRICE Kenya’s class is on spring vacation and their teacher asked them to write a report about how they spent their time. But vacation is almost over and Kenya hasn’t done anything worth noting. A late visit to a museum’s recycling exhibit and a walk through her neighborhood with her daddy inspire Kenya to use her old, broken toys and other items to make art with her family. Now she’s prepared to teach her whole class how to Recycle! Reuse! Make Art! DIG IN! Explore all of the creepy, crawly, dirty, muddy, green, and growing things that can be found
March is a transition time between winter and spring. It is also a popular month for spring book fairs and spring break. The picture books in my March book list include a few women’s history books, St. Patrick’s Day stories and spring titles. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan A fictionalized account of the night Amelia Earhart flew Eleanor Roosevelt over Washington, D.C. in an airplane. Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson When spring comes, Bear wakes up very hungry and is treated to great food by his friends. Bruce’s Big Storm by Ryan T. Higgins Grumpy Bruce the bear does not like neighbors, but is forced to help when a big storm draws them all to his home. Duck and Goose by Tad Hills Duck and Goose learn to work together to take care of a ball they think is an over-sized egg.
March 2nd marks the annual celebration of Read Across America Day, a time dedicated to encouraging a love of reading in students across the country. Traditionally, this day was closely associated with Dr. Seuss books and themed activities. However, in recent years, there’s been a meaningful shift in focus toward promoting multicultural and diverse children’s literature. This change is both timely and necessary. It opens the door to sharing a wider range of stories that reflect the rich backgrounds, experiences, and voices of students in our classrooms. As educators and parents, we now have a powerful opportunity to highlight books that promote acceptance, kindness, inclusion, and cultural awareness, values that are essential for nurturing compassionate and informed readers. In this post, I’m sharing a variety of meaningful activities and ideas that align with the updated focus of celebrating diverse voices in literature. These resources are ideal for Read Across
It is so important to read our students’ picture books with diverse characters. Children need to learn about new cultures, places, and traditions. They also need to be able to “see” themselves in a book. For so long there was a shortage of diverse and multicultural children’s books. And while there has been a steady increase in the past few years, there is still a long way to go. Below is a book list of 36 books that feature both multicultural and diverse characters. These include children of different races and ethnic groups as well as a child with two fathers and a boy who identifies as a girl. Before you read the book list, I want to share with you one of my favorite quotes about diversity. Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela and Coco the cat.

Staying Cool in the Library is my blog, where I share my passion for fostering a love of reading with children. As a librarian, I believe reading should be fun and accessible to all students. That’s why I share engaging and interactive lesson plans, creative ways to build exciting library collections, and resources to inspire even the most reluctant readers in any classroom or library. Check out my blog posts and products in my store, and join my email list below.

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