3 Ideas: Social Emotional Learning on Read Aloud Day

National Read Aloud day occurs each year on the first Wednesday in February. This day was created as a way to celebrate more than just reading, but to the art and practice of reading aloud as a way to strengthen kids and communities using the power of story telling.

Incorporating books around Social Emotional Learning on Read Aloud Day is a great way to support the important learning around CASEL’s 5 Core SEL Competencies:

• Self-Awareness
• Self Management
• Social Awareness
• Relationship Skills
• Responsible Decision Making

3 Ideas for Social Emotional Learning on Read Aloud Day

1. Try to pick books that focus on feelings and relationships, like books about friendship, family, or emotions. I have a FREE comprehensive list for books under each of the 5 core competencies in my SEL Year Long Guide. Some of my favorite read aloud books:
   • Anything by Todd Parr (especially Be Who You Are)
   • Gerald and Piggie Books by Mo Willems
   • Ruby Finds A Worry by Tom Percival (book companion)
   • Same, Same, but Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
   • The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
   • Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
   • In My Heart by Jo Witek (book companion)
   • I Am Enough by Grace Byers (book companion)
   • I AM books by Susan Verde
2. Read the book aloud to the class (or child at home), and take time to discuss the emotions and relationships depicted in the story. Ask the class questions to help them think critically about the characters and the plot. My FREE SEL Year Long Guide has questions included.
   • Self Awareness Question Example: What were [character’s] strengths and weaknesses? How did [character] deal with feeling [anxious, bored, etc]?
   • Self Management Question Example: Why do you think [character] struggled to manage their emotions? What would you do?
   • Social Awareness Questions Example: [character] did not handle the problem very well. What could [character]have done differently?
   • Relationship Skills Question Example: What characteristics did [character] have that made them a good friend?
   • Responsible Decision Making Question Example: How did [character’s] emotions affect their decision making?
3. You can also use the book as a springboard to other activities like drawing or writing. For example, after reading a book about friendship, you could ask the students to draw pictures of their friends or write stories about their relationships. 

Want help finding SEL activities as a book companion for some of my favorite Read Aloud?

BONUS TIP:

Keep engagement high by having books of interest and fun tools for reading! Read and have available the book genres your students (or own children) are most interested in. Not sure how to find out? Pay attention to the books they are highly engaged in. The books they ask questions about, or point out pictures, they want to more, or you find them laughing or having feelings about. You can also grab my FREE reading inventory that is a simple way to find out what they like best! Share 3 Ways to Read with a fun bookmark they can color in!

Thanks for reading! I hope these ideas help you make National Read Aloud Day (of any day you read aloud) a time to remember! Let me know what you’re reading on National Read Aloud Day!

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