Too Shy to Say Hi
What’s inside...
Making friends can be tough, but this rhyming picture book follows Shelli, who used to be content with her pet friends but is now determined to make friends with kids at school. Readers will relate to Shelli as she bravely takes steps toward overcoming her shyness and social anxiety. The book includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD, providing more information about shyness and social anxiety.
Discussion points
How do you think Shelli felt when she was too shy to say hi? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways you might help a friend who feels too shy to talk to others?
How do you think the story would change if Shelli never tried to overcome her shyness?
What are some things you can do to feel more comfortable when meeting new people?
How did Shelli change from the beginning of the book to the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and patient tone when discussing the book to create a comfortable space for your child to express themselves.
Relate personal experiences or stories about times you felt shy, encouraging your child to share their own feelings and experiences.
Praise your child for any efforts to discuss or relate to the book’s themes, reinforcing the importance of open communication.
Encourage your child to draw or act out different scenarios from the book, which can help them process the themes deeper.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to show active listening and deepen the conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Shyness
Explanation: The main character in 'Too Shy to Say Hi' faces challenges with shyness, which are portrayed through various social scenarios.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that it's okay to feel shy and there are ways to gradually overcome this feeling and interact with peers.
Example Lesson: Making Friends
Explanation: The book illustrates the process of making friends despite initial hesitations and how rewarding it can be.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to step out of their comfort zone to form new friendships, reinforcing the idea that everyone feels shy at times but can connect through common interests.
Example Lesson: Self-Expression
Explanation: Through the character’s journey, children see how expressing themselves is key to interpersonal connections and self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to communicate their thoughts and feelings more openly with peers and adults, boosting their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By observing the character's feelings, readers learn to identify and empathize with others who might be feeling shy or scared.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be considerate and supportive friends who can recognize and respond to others’ emotions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the challenges, the main character perseveres in social situations, which leads to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that persistence, even when faced with difficulties, is crucial in overcoming personal obstacles and achieving goals.