Teaching Kindness with Picture Books About Friendship
Picture books may seem like they are just for early elementary classrooms, but the truth is, they are for any age learner! Picture books about friendship can have a powerful impact on children. They help them understand social relationships and to teach the important traits of friendship, such as kindness, respect, and empathy.
Here are some picture storybooks about friendship that I love to use with my students that focus on friendship and promote kindness. Plus, I am using these same books moving from teaching K-2 to fifth grade.
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The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister: This book emphasizes the significance of sharing and kindness. The story follows a beautiful fish who learns the joy of making friends and the joy of giving.
Another message tied into the story is friendship and acceptance. Rainbow Fish’s actions isolate him from the others because he feels superior due to his beautiful, shiny scales. In the end, he discovers happiness when sharing his beauty with others.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig: This book tackles the theme of inclusion and kindness towards those who are often overlooked. It follows a young boy who feels invisible at school until a new student reaches out to him, teaching children the importance of empathy and making everyone feel valued.
The message of the power of friendship occurs when the main character, Brian, befriends another student and they both begin to feel less “invisible” and more confident.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson: This book tells the story of a boy who becomes friends with his “enemy” after his dad suggests his secret recipe for “enemy pie”. The pie is not what the little boy thinks it is, and in the end, it helps them to form a friendship. It teaches children about overcoming prejudices and developing friendships, Also, looking beyond surface-level differences, and getting to know someone to see their true personality before making a judgment.
This book reminds me of the quote, “Build bridges instead of walls.”
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson: This book encourages spreads the message of treating others with kindness and respect. Also that kindness can have a ripple effect and our actions or inactions impact another person’s feelings.
Teaching Kindness With Picture Books
These picture books offer valuable lessons about friendship, empathy, kindness and so much more!
I like to focus on one book per week and practice a different concept or skill each read or discussion.
Leave me a comment about any books you have tried to teach friendship in your own classroom!
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