A, B, read along with Dr. C!
Join our Superintendent Dr. Meria J. Carstarphen throughout the school year as she reads books related to social and emotional learning (SEL). Our SEL books for the month of August are All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman for elementary readers, Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman for middle school readers, and Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger for high school readers.
August Theme: Welcome to the School Community
We recognize the value of our home communities, while making a daily contribution to our school community through acts of kindness.
Book Summaries
- All Are Welcome (elementary selection for August) lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, and they are welcome in their schools. Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where students grow and learn from each other’s traditions. It’s a book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids.
- In Seedfolks (middle school selection for August and September), a Vietnamese girl plants six lima beans in a Cleveland vacant lot. Looking down on the immigrant-filled neighborhood, a Romanian woman watches suspiciously. A school janitor gets involved, then a Guatemalan family. Then muscle-bound Curtis, trying to win back Lateesha. Pregnant Maricela. Amir from India. A sense of community sprouts and spreads.
- Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (high school selection for August) shares stories for teens that will bring about laughter and tears. The book is designed to motivate, comfort, reassure and remind teens that they go through similar circumstances, which makes them a community.
SEL Competency
Relationship Skills allow students to develop and maintain healthy relationships with others, including the ability to resist negative social pressures, resolve interpersonal conflict, and seek help when needed. Students need to be able to work well with their classmates in order to participate in collaborative groups.
Several copies of each book are available at school libraries/media centers and can also be found in myBackpack via Class Pass @APS.
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