Thursday, April 12, 2018

Can - Do Kids Series

I don't get the opportunity to read and review kid books as often as I'd like but when I saw this come up as an opportunity, I took it!

Can - Do Kids Series - Kayla J. Marnach
(I Can Do That! * My Actions Matter * My Body's Mine)

I Can Do That!: helps children learn self-regulating techniques. Told through rhyme from a child's point of view, strategies are shared empowering the child to effectively learn and practice ways they can control their emotions and actions when they feel themselves becoming dysregulated. The questions at the end of the book provide an easy transition for counselors and parents to open a discussion, assisting the child in exploring ways they can learn to manage themselves. 
This one is SO GREAT because it talks about children controlling themselves. Nervous energy, anger, anxiety, etc are hard things for children to deal with and this book gives the child different techniques they can do to calm down and relax. Chewing gum, pushing a wall, chair push up's, and more are different techniques they can use at home or at school. This would be good for kids who have a hard time at school and sitting for long periods. Perhaps working with the teacher to allow some of these techniques would be beneficial for the student and the rest of the class. Or something to incorporate into the day for all of the students?

My Actions Matter: helps children learn life value skills, creating a foundation on how they can connect with others. Told through rhyme from a child's point of view, this book provides strategies for the child to learn how their actions influence others. The questions at the end of the book provide an easy transition for counselors and parents to open a discussion, assisting the child in exploring ways they can effectively correct their behavior and connect with others. 
Probably my favorite because I think we all know Penelope needs this. HA! This one highlights a child's actions and how it relates to others around them. What I like about this one is that it talks about being sassy, not just with words, but with looks and attitude as well. It really pushes the topic of respect and being respectful to people around you but also objects, too. Nice and short, would be good for late three/early four year old's for an introduction. Older children would be able to answer the questions at the back of the book and would be able to engage in a conversation easily.

My Body's  Mine: helps children learn they have the rights to their body. Told through rhyme from a child's point of view, this book on boundaries empowers a child to say no when others approach him or her in ways that make them uncomfortable. It also gives clear instructions on what to do if they are approached in an  unwanted manner. The questions at the end of the book provide an easy transition for counselors and parents to open a discussion to prevent abuse or to further explore if abuse has occurred. 
This one is rather short and easy to read, the rhyming throughout makes it almost sing song like. I like how this book reviews what is OK and what is not OK, but also what a child should do if they get an uncomfortable feeling. I also am glad that the author chose to include recognizing when you feel uncomfortable, almost like a beginner's guide to your gut instinct, because I think kids need to learn that their gut instinct is important and they should always follow it. It reiterates that the safe grown up's in their lives should be their defenders. It's a great introductory look at what is safe and unsafe touch.

If you're looking for an introductory series on self regulation, this would be a great place to start!

      

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