Why Social-Emotional Books Are Important for Kids' Self Expression

The goal of social and emotional learning (SEL) is to help kids form healthy identities so they can thrive. Part of this self-growth means understanding one’s feelings and actions, and learning to manage them in a socially acceptable way. 

Knowing the right words to describe a feeling is an early step in articulating oneself. With self-awareness, children can show their personalities, share their values and interests, and communicate more clearly. (Read more about how talking about feelings and emotions can benefit your family.)

Without the words to describe their experiences (or others’ experiences), children may find it difficult to connect with others and miss out on support from family, friends, and community.

Books with SEL themes allow children to learn these skills through characters and plot. Through stories, children learn how to analyze a problem they face in their own lives and come up with solutions.

Here are three reasons why books with social-emotional themes are essential for your child’s self-expression skills right now.

1. SEL Books Give Kids Words to Articulate Their Feelings

Giving children the words they need to express themselves boosts confidence and self-esteem tremendously. When kids can put their feelings into words, they can begin to address them.

In a podcast for Scholastic Reads, Jose Paez, a Clinical Fellow at the Yale Child Study Center, explains the power books have to create a language of feelings kids can use every day.

“The concept of literacy can also be translated into emotional literacy, helping kids put words to emotions,” he says. 

In I’m Happy-Sad Today, readers explore all kinds of feelings, from happiness and frustration to jealousy and pride. A special section helps children build a vocabulary of feeling words.

2. SEL Books Help Kids Express Themselves in Social Situations

One of the goals of social and emotional learning is creating positive relationships through support and collaborative thinking. Kindness, generosity, and empathy are learned concepts and the result of strong social awareness and interpersonal skills.

Books like The Caring Me I Want to Be portray what it means to be a supportive person, and how an act as simple as listening can make others feel good. 

3. SEL Books Offer Solutions for Navigating Negative Feelings

Books can be especially helpful for navigating complex emotions like anxiety or anger. 

When readers see their favorite characters thrive after sharing negative feelings with an adult or friend, they’ll feel comforted knowing that everyone feels bad at times and that there are ways to cope with these bad feelings.

Sharing read-aloud books like Ruby Finds a Worry or Tiger Has a Tantrum with your child provides the perfect opportunity to talk about upsetting feelings and how they can be managed. Your child will be delighted to know they’re in control of their emotions!

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