Teaching Social Skills Through Picture Books
Picture books are one of my favorite tools to use the in Elementary classroom! They can be used for all kinds of purposes; reading for pleasure, reinforcing academic skills or introducing a new topic. People tend to think that picture books are only appropriate for lower grades but I believe picture books can be used in all Elementary grades and even beyond!
One way picture books can be used in the post-virtual instruction classroom is to teach and reinforce social skills. We all know that the pandemic and learning virtually hindered our children's social skills; they were not able to communicate and collaborate in the same way as before. If they had the opportunity to meet or play together in person, social rules changed how they interacted (based on COVID - don't touch each other, don't share items, etc.)
WeAreTeachers author, Kimberley Moran, took note of the 50 best children's books for teaching social skills. After listing all the wonderful picture books that will help students, she states that teachers should "use a four-step process when reading these social skills books for kids to reinforces skills featured". The four steps are as follows:
1. Describe - discuss with your students what the main point of the story was and why are the skills important
2. Demonstrate - have students act out what the social skill looks like and feels like
3. Practice - plan activities where students practice the intended social skill
4. Promote - support and encourage children to engage in behavior that demonstrates the social skill
*As a side note, I think it is especially powerful for the Principal and/or Assistant Principal to visit each classroom the first month of school and read a picture book. It doesn't even have to be about social skills! This promotes an inclusive school community where Administration is recognizable and relatable.
Here are the 50 Children's Books on Moran's list:
Maybe I'm bias because I teach Kindergarten but I love picture books! Social skills are definitely an important skill to have. Again, being bias but I am a people person. I'm around people everyday and enjoy meeting new people. What else is there to do in life?? Let's teach them social-emotional skills young and early!
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