The best way to teach your child social skills is to let them socialize with other children. However, children’s books can absolutely help. With books, you can teach your child about difficult concepts and let them see how their actions make a difference. There’s no shortage of children’s books for learning social skills, but here are just a few of our favorites.
My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook
Louis has a lot of important things to say. He gets so excited that he can’t help erupting (interrupting)! Unfortunately, this means that other people don’t get to say their important things. When other people start interrupting Louis, he realizes that it’s not a fun experience. Soon, Louis grows to understand that everybody has important things to say, and life is more fun when they get to say them.
This book is perfect for teaching the balance between talking and listening. When it comes to books for learning social skills, this one is great for communication.
Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook
Our friend Louis is back, and he loves to pretend that he’s in space. The problem is that when Louis flies and orbits, he gets into other people’s space, too. This clever book teaches children all about boundaries and letting others have their personal space.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
If you need classic books for learning social skills, this one fits the bill. As a matter of fact, you may have read it during your own childhood. Chrysanthemum thinks that her name is perfect. When she goes to school, though, the other children make fun of her name. They think it’s silly to be named after a flower. Soon, Chrysanthemum doesn’t think that her name is so perfect anymore. Will she be able to bloom again?
Chrysanthemum teaches children what happens when they act unkindly toward others. It also teaches them how to hold their heads high when they’re on the other side of that unkindness.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Brian is invisible. That’s what he thinks, anyway. After all, nobody notices him. Nobody plays with him, sits with him, or invites him to birthday parties. However, when a new child comes to class, everything changes.
Some books for learning social skills are aimed at helping shy children make friends, and this one is a great example. It teaches children what to do when they feel invisible. Similarly, it may also help more gregarious children notice their more “invisible” classmates.
Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
Mr. Rabbit has some new neighbors. These neighbors are otters, and Mr. Rabbit doesn’t know anything about otters. This makes him a little nervous. However, he learns that he doesn’t have anything to be nervous about. He just needs to do unto otters as he would want the otters to do unto him.
When it comes to books for learning social skills, this one is a great introduction to empathy, manners, and celebrating differences.
How to Use Books for Learning Social Skills
Now that you’ve got some great books for learning social skills, how can you use them to help your child? First, take the time to read with your child. When you’re done, ask questions like these:
- “How are you like that character? How are you not like them?”
- “Do you ever feel the way that character felt? Have you ever noticed someone else feeling that way?”
- “How did they solve the problem?”
- “What do you think you could do in that situation?”
These questions will help your child engage with the books and apply the lessons to their day-to-day lives.
Learning Social Skills at Legacy Academy
Want your child to develop their social skills? Legacy Academy can help. At Legacy, we actively and intentionally teach social skills and other life skills. Ready to learn more? Find your nearest Legacy location today. We’d love to have you as part of the Legacy family.
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