I Choose to Be a Helper: A Colorful, Picture Book About Being Thoughtful and Helpful
#7 of 19 in Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose Series
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
In 'I Choose to Be a Helper,' children learn the importance of being thoughtful and helpful through a rhyming narrative and vibrant illustrations. This book emphasizes social emotional learning (SEL) and has been globally acclaimed by teachers and therapists. By presenting real-life scenarios, it teaches children to consider others in their daily decisions. Developed collaboratively with educators and therapists, it is part of a series designed to help children manage emotions and understand the impact of their choices. It serves as an essential tool in social emotional curriculums, empowering young readers to take action when others are in need.
Discussion points
How did the characters in the book help each other? Can you think of a time when you helped someone like that?
What are some ways you can be a helper at home or in school?
Why do you think being helpful is important?
How did you feel when you saw the characters working together and helping each other?
If you could choose a new way to help someone tomorrow, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the impact of teamwork and helping others, drawing parallels to situations in your child’s own life.
Encourage your child to express how they feel when they help someone, fostering emotional understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to think of specific examples when they were a helper, which can help reinforce the positive behavior.
Create a 'helper chart' with your child that includes daily or weekly tasks where they can be a helper, inspired by the book.
Celebrate and praise examples of your child being thoughtful and helpful, linking back to the characters and scenarios in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of helping others
Explanation: The book illustrates various scenarios where the main character chooses to help others, showing the positive impact of their actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to assist in household chores, support their friends, and participate in community service.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The story demonstrates the main character expressing care and understanding towards others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can practice putting themselves in others' shoes, being considerate in their interactions and offering support where needed.
Example Lesson: Taking initiative
Explanation: The protagonist actively looks for opportunities to be helpful without being asked, which drives the narrative forward.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to volunteer for tasks and projects in school or at home, promoting a proactive attitude.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The book highlights the happiness the character feels when helping others, which is reflected through colorful illustrations.
Real-World Application: Children can experience the rewarding feeling of helping by sharing their toys, spending time with elderly family members, or helping a classmate understand a lesson.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and reliability
Explanation: By consistently choosing to help, the character in the book builds trust and is seen as reliable by others.
Real-World Application: Teach children the value of being dependable through tasks like caring for a pet, completing homework on time, or taking care of a younger sibling with guidance.