I Choose to Calm My Anxiety: A Colorful, Picture Book About Soothing Strategies for Anxious Children
#4 of 19 in Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose Series
on Goodreads (30)
What’s inside...
In this rhyming story, Lucas is weighed down by his worry and anxiety. Through colorful illustrations and rhythmic rhymes, he learns coping mechanisms on how to deal with big emotions like anxiety. For every child who has experienced anxious thoughts, this story teaches kids how to respond to anxiety through several soothing strategies. 'I Choose to Calm My Anxiety' focuses on social emotional learning (SEL) and has been praised by teachers and therapists worldwide. Lucas acknowledges negative thoughts, then actively replaces them with positive thoughts. He shares how he uses deep breathing and focuses on things he can control. This story helps children develop an understanding of their emotions and practice mindfulness, bringing happiness and calm into their lives. Developed alongside teachers, therapists, and counselors, this book is part of a series designed to empower children to handle their emotions and reactions.
Discussion points
What are some ways the characters in the book calm their anxiety?
How did you feel when you saw the character using a calming strategy?
Can you think of a time you felt anxious like the characters? What helped you feel better?
Which calming strategy from the book would you like to try next time you feel anxious?
Why do you think it's important to have different ways to calm down?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts as they relate to each scenario in the book.
Validate their feelings by sharing times you've felt anxious and how you dealt with it.
Practice the calming techniques together with your child to show them they're not alone.
Discuss the importance of self-awareness and recognizing when they start to feel anxious.
Create a 'calm down' plan with your child using their favorite strategies from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing anxiety
Explanation: Through vibrant illustrations and relatable scenarios, the book teaches children various soothing techniques to handle anxious feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can use deep breathing, counting, or visualization techniques learned from the book whenever they feel overwhelmed in real-life situations such as school or social gatherings.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness and emotional identification
Explanation: The story encourages children to recognize and articulate their emotions, fostering a deeper understanding of their mental states.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice naming their emotions as they occur, helping them communicate more effectively with parents and teachers about how they feel.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others experiencing anxiety
Explanation: As characters in the book express their feelings of anxiety, it offers readers a chance to see the world from someone else's perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can become more considerate and supportive when they notice peers experiencing anxiety, fostering a more empathetic community.
Example Lesson: Building resilience and problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book showcases different characters solving their anxiety in unique ways, highlighting the importance of perseverance and creativity in dealing with challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that there are multiple solutions to a problem, encouraging them to think creatively in their own lives when faced with difficulties.