Literacy Based SEL

Written By: Hans Appel

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”
-Mason Cooley

With social distancing at an all time high; perhaps, the pathway to innovative human connection might be best discovered in the creative confines of a great book.  Social Emotional Learning (SEL) feels like such an imminent goal in our current world.  Don’t get me wrong...it’s always been critical to student success; but, in a world filled with trauma, inequity, and fear, social emotional learning might offer the armor of resilience for children to truly thrive in our eventual post-covid world.  Dr. Michele Borba refers to these protective factors as “The Empathy Gap,” in her highly acclaimed book, Unselfie.  But how do talented parents and teachers actually navigate these difficult conversations with children on topics like: emotional regulation, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision making, and relationship skills?

For nearly 362 years adults have relied on some version of the picture book as a powerful conversation starter to impart life’s wisdom through the lens of imaginary characters.  This form of empathy has shaped the minds and hearts of generations of young readers.

"ORBIS SENSUALIUM PICTUS" THE WORLD'S FIRST PUBLISHED PICTURE BOOK, 1659, LONDON

“No matter the social cause, when we immerse ourselves, walking in another’s shoes while living these many lives in the books we read, we can empathize with the plight of everyday life for others and think beyond ourselves to create change in our world, making life better for everyone.” 
-Michelle Lane

Growing up with books like The Giving Tree, The Lorax, and The Patchwork Quilt provided me a much needed escape from the tornado of emotions that regularly blew through my home.  In fact, my prized high school graduation present was a simple Suess book: Oh the Places You’ll Go.  But benefiting from these literary treasures doesn’t require adverse childhood experiences.  Indeed children of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances can invest and learn from character rich picture books designed to capture our imagination.  The subtlety and art that lifts these wonderful graphic worlds into a safe space for kids to wrestle with complex issues is what truly sets them apart from their fellow literature.  Picture books are a special gift for the world.  We see the best and worst of ourselves in these inspiring stories.  Here’s a few books released recently by my insanely creative wife, Jennifer that I absolutely LOVE!!

I’m Who

To the outside world, Ginger is an award winning dog who seems to have the perfect life.  Despite her show stopping beauty, she conquers daily internal thoughts of overwhelming stress and anxiety that challenge her emotional well-being.  With the help of a wise old friend, vivid imagery, and calm surroundings, Ginger creates a powerful learning moment to take back control over her own JOY.

Award Winning Dog

Little Maya is a sweet puppy born into an incredibly successful family.  But after bouncing between several homes and multiple failed attempts to prove she belongs, Maya seeks the advice of three special friends to put her on a path to self discovery.  Take a walk with Maya, as she finds the secrets to becoming award winning.  Also available on Amazon or Etsy

Here’s a list of some recent MUST READ picture books:

It’s Me by Jeff Kubiak

Cozy by Jan Brett

Finding Lost Smiles by Vickie & Don Epps

Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen

Play Yay: Baby Talk by BreAnn Fennell

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes

Cannonball In by Tara Martin

Natalie Portman’s Fables by Natalie Portman

One Drop of Kindness by Jeff Kubiak

Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander & Kadir Nelson

Ride with Emilio by: Richard Nares

This holiday season, I challenge you to purchase a couple great picture books to give away to someone in your life.  It could be an old classic or a brand new discovery.

“The MORE that you read the MORE things you will know.  The MORE that you LEARN the MORE places you’ll go.”
-Dr. Seuss

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About The Author

Hans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child.  He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community.  Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture. 

He’s worked as a counselor in the Richland School District for the past 19 years and at Enterprise Middle School since it opened.  He’s passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness.  In 2018, EMS was awarded the ASCD Whole Child Award for the State of Washington and the Global “Class Act Award” for creating a culture of excellence through kindness, service, and empathy.  Additionally, they were selected as a finalist in the 2019 PBIS Film Festival and took top prize in the Community, Parents, and Staff category.  

In 2018, Hans launched his own blog about School Culture and rolled out a student-led leadership podcast called Award Winning Culture: Hosted by Wildcat Nation, which can be subscribed, listened or reviewed on iTunes Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, PodBean, and Libsyn.  

Hans’ blogs have appeared on DisruptED TV magazine, CharacterStrong, Teach Better, AIMS Network, and PBIS Rewards.  He’s written social-emotional lessons for CharacterStrong.  Furthermore, he has been featured on numerous educational podcasts speaking his brand of school culture into existence.  

He’s been a contributing writer on four educational books: “Teachers Deserve It,” “ Define Your WHY: Own Your Story So You Can Live and Learn On Purpose,” “A Teacher’s Reflective Impact Journal,” and “ALL IN: Taking a Gamble in Education.” 

Hans believes that education at its highest level is about inspiring others to discover and develop their JOY. 

He can be contacted at hansappel094@gmail.com.  Follow Hans on twitter @HansNAppel. Follow AWC on twitter at @awculture @awcpodcasting or Instagram @awardwinningculture.  #AwardWinningCulture

Purchase Award Winning Culture