English

Oral Language K.1, K.2, K.3, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3

History/Social Science

History K.2

Civics K.8, 1.10, 2.10

EC.1: Self-description

EC.2: Responsible behaviors

Let’s Read about Feelings and Behaviors

Books and activities associated with young children help them describe pleasant and unpleasant feelings and actions through visual representation and verbal expression. These stories emphasize respect for the feelings of self and others.

I Like Me

After reading aloud I Like Me by Nancy Carlson, have students paste photographs of themselves on a 12" x 18" sheet of poster paper. Then have them cut out pictures or words from magazines to describe themselves (e.g., their feelings, interests, family, friends). Have students share their individually created posters with the class.

How To Lose All Your Friends

As students listen to the story How To Lose All Your Friends by Nancy Carlson, have them answer questions such as

• Why would this behavior cause you to lose your friends?
• What could you do differently to earn friendship?
• Distribute a handout with one column titled Qualities That Build Walls between Friends, and one column titled Qualities That Build Bridges between Friends. Students brainstorm to fill in both columns.

Dandelion

As students listen to the story Dandelion by Don Freeman, have them identify all the feelings experienced by the lion on a particular day, including happy, sad, angry, proud, left out, and scared. Each time they name a feeling, students place a "Dandelion feeling face" on the chalkboard. A discussion focuses on the many feelings everyone experiences each day and how feelings change according to events of the day.

Resources

Carlson, Nancy L. I Like Me: Viking Children’s Books, 1997.

Carlson, Nancy L. How To Lose All Your Friends: Econo-Clad Books, 1999.

Freeman, Don. Dandelion: Puffin, 1987.