Self Regulation- Book List

“Clark the Shark” by Bruce Hale

Clark reminds me of my dog Brooklyn, they just love life too much. Poor Clark just plays too hard!

Activity: Partner with this activity from The Music City School Counselor.

“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan Higgins

This is an adorable book to talk about beginning of the year expectations or if you have a new student who isn’t quite following new school rules. Penelope has never seen human children before, so she just can’t help but to eat them (don’t worry she doesn’t swallow!) With the help of a fierce class pet she learns a lesson in empathy and self control.

Activity: Partner with my activity set and grab my free mini lesson for virtual learning.

“What If Everybody Did That” and “What If Everybody Said That” by Ellen Javernick

This book series teaches so much: consequences, self regulation, why it’s important to think before you speak, how your actions can affect others and our planet, etc. The list goes on and on. This set is a must have for elementary counselors.

Activity: Check out these partner sets:

“What If Everybody Said That” Activity Set

“What If Everybody Did That” Activity Set

“The Very Impatient Caterpillar” by Ross Burach

Our main character just can’t wait to be a butterfly, literally. He just bugs his poor friends. This is a great book to introduce patience, mindfulness, and problem solving.

Activity: Partner with my activity set.

“You Get What You Get” by Julie Gassman

Did you finish the sentence in your head? Me too! You get what you get and you don’t pitch a fit. Not only is this book good for self regulation, but it’s also good for introducing acceptance.

“When Sophie’s Feelings Are Really, Really Hurt” and “When Sophie Gets Really, Really Angry” by Molly Bang

I like to explore the connection between feelings and colors as we read these books. The illustrations can lead to some amazing discussions.

I also talk about how when Molly is upset “runs away.” We talk about where are safe places we can go, like our peace corner and if we can’t go there doing a safe place visualization.

Activity: Parter with these coping skill activities:

My Feel Better Plan

Peace/Calm Corners

Calming Videos by The Responsive Counselor

THE SNURTCH by Sean Ferrell

“From the team behind I Don’t Like Koala, this clever picture book takes a discerning look at the challenges of behaving and controlling your emotions—especially when your own personal monster keeps getting in the way.”- Good Reads.com

Read more about this book from a parent here.

Activity: Have students draw their own “Snurtch.” Then practice some calming skills by setting up stations, such as: drawing/journaling, bubble blowing, play dough, make your own slime, or reading a joke book. Counselor Keri has some great tips on stations/centers and Counseling With Pizazz has some games for self regulation.

EVEN SUPERHEROES HAVE BAD DAYS by Shelly Becker

Superheroes have super powers, which means if they have a bad day they could really make a mess. However, a super hero is super special, because they regulate their strong feelings.

Activity: Check out Counselor Keri’s awesome superhero activity.