I Choose to Be Respectful: A Colorful, Rhyming Picture Book About Respect
#9 of 19 in Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose Series
What’s inside...
In this rhyming story, 'I Choose to Be Respectful', readers learn about respect and how it is earned by giving it to others. The book teaches children how to respect people, places, and things through colorful illustrations and rhythmic rhymes. It also provides concrete scenarios and coping mechanisms for dealing with big emotions like anger. Developed alongside teachers, therapists, counselors, and parents, this book is part of the 'I Choose' series aimed at empowering children with social emotional learning (SEL). It encourages children to choose their actions and reactions, reinforcing respectful behaviors such as saying 'please' and 'thank you', and sharing at the table. Praised by educators and therapists worldwide, this book serves as a valuable resource for social emotional curricula.
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important to be respectful to others?
How do you feel when someone treats you with respect?
Can you think of a time when you showed respect? How did that make you feel?
What are some ways you can show respect to your friends and family?
How do you think the characters in the book felt when they were treated with respect?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deep conversation, let your child express their thoughts freely without interrupting. Show interest by asking follow-up questions based on their responses. Encourage them to relate the book’s scenarios to their own experiences. Reinforce the importance of respect by sharing how respectful actions can positively impact their relationships and environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding respect
Explanation: Through colorful illustrations and rhyming text, the book illustrates various scenarios where children choose to be respectful towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by using polite words and listening attentively when interacting with friends and adults in daily situations.
Example Lesson: Appreciating differences
Explanation: The story portrays characters from diverse backgrounds, teaching children to respect and embrace individual differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can show respect by being inclusive and kind to peers who might look, speak, or behave differently from them.
Example Lesson: Importance of manners
Explanation: The book highlights scenes where characters use 'please', 'thank you', and other polite expressions, demonstrating good manners.
Real-World Application: Children can practice these polite expressions at home, school, and in public places to show respect to others.
Example Lesson: Handling disagreements
Explanation: The book shows characters resolving conflicts respectfully without resorting to name-calling or aggressive behavior.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to resolve their own disputes calmly and respectfully, using words to express how they feel.
Example Lesson: Valuing others' opinions
Explanation: Characters in the book listen to each other's viewpoints, highlighting the importance of considering diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and value different opinions, which can help in group activities or discussions at school.