Dealing with Change (& Big Transitions) by

The Leaf Thief

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:42:57 UTC

Using the natural change of the seasons as symbolism, The Leaf Thief follows a squirrel and his quest to find his fallen leaf to explore feelings of anxiety during times of change. This story connects to dealing with change in that we see the squirrel lean on his friends for help coping with his feelings and ultimately accepting the beauty of letting go.

A Very Big Fall

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:44:02 UTC

A Very Big Fall epitomizes dealing with change because it uses the transition from summer to fall to symbolize that even though change is hard, it leads to a new and exciting beginning.

Tomorrow Most Likely

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:45:17 UTC

Tomorrow Most Likely tackles a question that most of us wonder at the end of the day, “What will tomorrow bring?” In the face of the unknown, it is easy to feel fear. This book is perfect for dealing with change because it challenges us to accept that change is inevitable, and our mindset towards it makes all the difference.

Go Left

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:46:23 UTC

Go Left is a perfect fit for the topic of change because it explores the choice we have in the face of big transition: we can be afraid, worried and sad – or we can choose to look change in the face with a positive perspective.

What the Road Said

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:47:29 UTC

Wade’s book What the Road Said epitomizes a unit on coping with big change. She uses the road as a metaphor for the unexpected bumps and curves of life, proving that when faced with change, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to deal with it. Ultimately, the book shows young readers that it’s ok to be scared when big changes come across our path.

Little Tree

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:48:25 UTC

Long’s story illustrates just how painful letting go can be in the wake of inevitable change. Through the perspective of a tree that clings to its leaves, Little Tree illustrates change as the big idea because it shows young readers that sometimes we need to let go in order to grow.

Little Turtle and the Changing Sea

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:49:39 UTC

From the perspective of a turtle in the wake of climate change, Little Turtle & the Changing Sea illustrates dealing with change as her beloved environment is changing beyond her control. But it is how she deals with the change that makes the greatest impact.

Nothing Stays the Same but That's Okay

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:50:57 UTC

This book explores a key element as to why change is scary – the unknown. As a non-fiction text, this book is a great addition to this topic as it gives children practical tips, calendars and routines to cope with change as it comes our way.

Home is a Window

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:52:07 UTC

Home is a Window is an important addition to this big topic because it tackles a very relatable life change that some children face – moving to a new home. This book provides the important perspective that even when things in life change, we always have our family to rely on.

The List of Things That Will Not Change

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:53:04 UTC

The List of Things That Will Not Change is vital to this big topic because it explores one of the biggest changes some students face: divorce. Everything in Bea’s life is rapidly changing, but to cope with divorce and remarriage on the horizon, she keeps a list in her notebook of all the things that remain the same

Me and My Feelings

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:57:22 UTC

A practical guide to dealing with ever-changing emotions, Me and My Feelings is important to this topic because it provides concrete skills to deal with big feelings that can often crop up when dealing with big transitions.

How to Get Unstuck From the Negative Muck

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 14:58:07 UTC

This is an important addition to the topic of big transitions because often during times of change, negative thinking can take over. How to Get Unstuck gives older kids the tools they need to process and cope with their thoughts.

Giant-sized Butterflies on My First Day of School

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:00:04 UTC

The first day of school is always the marker of a big change and transition that all children face. Giant-Sized Butterflies uses the symbolism of butterflies to explore how it is normal to experience feelings of fear in the unknown.

The Day You Begin

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:01:03 UTC

The Day You Begin introduces young readers to the idea that we interact with new experiences every day. Whether it is a new friend, type of food or even walking into a room where everyone is different than us, this book is important to the topic of change because it challenges us to grow when faced with something new.

Things That Go Away

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:02:08 UTC

Alemanga adds another perspective to the topic of dealing with change by exploring the idea that everything in life comes and goes – except the love between a parent and a child. This book is an important addition to this topic because it uses a playful tone to convey that all things in life transform and change.

A Land Called Grief

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:03:21 UTC

Experiencing the death of a loved one or pet is a type of big change that many children will experience. A Land Called Grief helps children process feelings of sadness while also helping them to discover that grief can be turned into something beautiful.

Lost in the Clouds

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:04:07 UTC

Lost in the Clouds takes a different approach to helping children deal with the change that results from the death of a loved one. Tinn-Disbury shows young readers that even though unexpected change/loss has happened, the constant is that we will always have each other.

Everything Changes: And That's Ok

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:06:59 UTC

Everything Changes and That’s Ok uses elements from the natural world to demonstrate the beautiful fact that every living thing changes – and that change typically leads to growth!

Every Body: A First Conversation About Bodies

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:08:06 UTC

One change that all children will experience as they grow up is their changing body. Every Body celebrates the variety in our bodies and how they change and develop over time. Bodily growth and transformation is an additional perspective and practical connection to the topic of change.

A Kid's Book About Change

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:08:57 UTC

This book is an important addition to the topic of change because not only does Kim explain his own experience as an immigrant child, but he provides ways for children to embrace change, starting with the perspective that ‘change is impossible to avoid because it happens ALL the time!’

Maybe Tomorrow?

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:13:13 UTC

Maybe Tomorrow? tackles the heavy feelings around losing a friend. This is an important text to add to a collection on change because it highlights the importance of relying on others when faced with an uncertain future.

Uncle Bobby's Wedding

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:14:26 UTC

This contemporary text highlights the feelings many children have around changing relationships. Chloe is worried that once her favorite Uncle Bobby gets married, he will no longer spend as much time with her. This is a wonderful addition to the topic of change because it shows that even when relationships around us change beyond our control, love stays the same (and grows with new family members!).

lmcgeeney2 — 2023-07-24 15:19:13 UTC

Agell, C., & RamírezA. (2019). Maybe Tomorrow?. Scholastic Press.

Alemagna, B. (2020). Things That Go Away. Abrams.

Balcarcel, R. (2022). Shine On, Luz Véliz! Chronicle Books.

Brannen, S. S., & Soto, L. (2021). Uncle Bobby’s Wedding. Hodder Children’s Books.

Colagiovanni, M. (2023). When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left. Scholastic Inc.

Davies, B., & Poh, J. (2020). Little Turtle and the Changing Sea. Tiger Tales.

Dodd, C. (2022). Everything Changes. Shambhala Publications.

Eggers, D., & Smith, L. (2019). Tomorrow Most Likely. Chronicle Books Llc.

Hemming, A., & Slater, N. (2021). The leaf thief. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky.

Janes, M. (2020). A Land Called Grief. Bjork Print.

Kastner, E. (2022). A Very Big Fall. Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.

Kim, D. (2020). A Kids Book about Change. A Kids Company About Inc.

Long, L. (2015). Little Tree. Penguin.

Madison, M., & Ralli, J. (2023). Every Body: A First Conversation About Bodies. Penguin.

Olsher, S. (2021). Nothing Stays the Same, But That’s Okay. Self-published.

Roberts, J., & Escobar, P. (2023). Giant-sized Butterflies on my First Day of School. G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

Stead, R. (2020). The List of Things That Will Not Change. Andersen Press.

Stephanie Parsley Ledyard, & Sasaki, C. (2019). Home is a Window. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House.

Sullivan, L. (2013). How to Get Unstuck from the Negative Muck : A Kid’s Guide to Getting Rid of Negative Thinking. Solna Investments.

Tinn-Disbury, T. (2021). Lost in the Clouds. New York: Dk.

Vanessa Green Allen, & Rebar, S. (2019). Me and my feelings : a kids’ guide to understanding and expressing themselves. Rockridge Press.

Woodson, J., & López, R. (2018). The Day You Begin. Nancy Paulsen Books.

A New Home

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 15:47:36 UTC

Kids have A LOT of questions when moving to a new home. What will my room look like? Will I make new friends? Where will I play? Will I like my house? Follow two children as they move to Mexico City and New York City and ask lots of questions (and find lots of answers) along the way.

When Someone You Love Has Died

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 15:58:19 UTC

Seidler uses warm and accessible language to explain how it might feel in your home after someone you love has passed away. With concrete coping strategies, building of awareness and acknowledging feelings, Seidler is an important resource to our collection of books on grief and loss.

Inquiry Questions:

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:07:30 UTC

What are feelings?
What is change?
How does change connect to feelings?
What can we do to help process our big feelings?
Is change inevitable?

Inquiry Questions:

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:09:21 UTC

What is positive about change?
What is negative about change?
How can we deal with change in a healthy way?
How can we deal with feelings of fear and anxiety?
How can you make others feel more comfortable in a new school or new home?

Inquiry Questions:

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:11:01 UTC

What does it mean to grieve?
How can we handle our feelings of sadness?
How can we deal with our changing family?
What good can come out of loss?
What is the relationship between change and identity?

Inquiry Questions:

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:13:31 UTC

How does nature experience change?
What are the benefits of change in nature?
Does nature mirror our inner feelings regarding change? Why or why not?
How do the changes in nature reflect the changes in ourselves?
What can we learn from the changing seasons?

[VIDEO 1]: Coping Skills for Kids

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:16:08 UTC

This educational video provides kids with practical tips on how to deal with their emotions - mainly by recognizing that their emotions can (and will) change.

[VIDEO 2]: Guided Meditation for Children (Dealing with Anxiety)

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:23:28 UTC

Guided meditations are powerful resources to help children sit with their feelings and learn coping skills to deal with them.

[Video 1]: Kids Talk About Starting a New School

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:25:52 UTC

PBS Kids interviews a group of kids and their parents on what it's like to move and start a new school.

[Video 1]: Dealing with the Loss of a Pet

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:27:37 UTC

PBS interviewed a mother and son about their pets - how how they process and deal with feelings of sadness when one of them dies.

[Video 2]: Kid President Pumps up Students for a New School Year!

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:29:48 UTC

This video is an important resource for students starting at a new school because it reminds them of the excitement of learning! It encourages them to stay positive and put their best foot forward.

[Video 2]: Grief & Loss Song

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:31:11 UTC

Music is a powerful tool to help us process our feelings. The Grief and Loss Meditation song helps children feel their sadness in a healing and healthy way.

[Video 1]: Our Ever-Changing Earth

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:33:12 UTC

This video walks students through the many ways Earth experiences change. Whether its volcanos, earthquakes or the arrival of autumn, this video reminds us that Earth is constantly changing.

[Video 2]: Seasonal Overview

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 16:35:02 UTC

This video provides students with a quick overview of all four seasons and the changes that occur in each.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 1]: Why Do Things Have to Die?

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 23:41:11 UTC

This article explores the questions many children ask around life and death. Why do things have to die? Why can't we live forever? It also provides practical resources to process grief.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 1]: Why Do the Seasons Change?

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 23:43:47 UTC

This article tackles the questions many children have about the seasons from a scientific perspective: Could it ever be winter forever? Why does the sun stay out longer in the summer than the winter? Do all areas on the globe experience the same seasons at the same time?

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 1]: Do You Ever Feel Nervous?

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 23:47:54 UTC

This article explores the scientific process behind feeling anxious with age-appropriate vocabulary for 2nd grade students. It helps them gain a baseline understanding of flight, fight or freeze and how to process their nervousness.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 2]: How Many Emotions Are There?

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 23:50:07 UTC

This article helps students explore the way they communicate their feelings by using emojis. It provides examples of texts that have the same words, but different emojis and examines the intended effect.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 2]: Mexico's Dia De Los Muertos Honors The Dead

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-27 23:57:19 UTC

One interesting way to approach loss with students is to examine the ways in which other cultures deal with death. This article explores the long-standing tradition of Dia De Los Muertos in Mexico. It explains how honoring those who have passed is a beautiful way to stay connected to them.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 2]: Why Does the Sky Change Color at Sunrise and Sunset?

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-28 00:01:14 UTC

Change is happening every day, all around us. One way to help students explore the nature of change is by observing the world around us. This article tackles the old-age question: why is the sky blue? It also explains that the sensitivity of our eyes determines the light waves we can (or cannot) see.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 1]: Should Schools Have Mental Health Days?

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-28 00:06:38 UTC

Should students be able to take mental health days from school? TIME for Kids interviewed many different children on this debate and their responses display significant emotional awareness. This could be a potential extension activity for students to continue the debate.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 2]: Moving House

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-28 00:10:16 UTC

This article is written for as a guide to help children process moving to a new location. Within the article, there is a story that parents are encouraged to tell to their children in the weeks leading up to the move. The story itself could be used in the classroom to spark conversation on the feelings surrounding this type of change.

Engagements

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-28 00:13:06 UTC

Explain to the class that we will be going on a nature walk. The students must find 3 natural objects that they sketch in their notebooks. They must make observations about the objects they choose (ex. color, size, shape, height, texture).
After the walk, ask the students to make predictions on their objects. Do you think they will change? How?
In the next lesson, repeat the nature walk, but this time, ask the students to document the changes they notice in the same objects they found before. Afterwards, engage students in a discussion on change in nature and how that can apply to their own lives

Engagements

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-28 00:14:59 UTC

Give each student large pieces of paper and markers. Ask them to define ‘change’ in their own words. Prompt them with the following questions:
-Do we have to change? Why/why not?
-Does everything around us change? Why/why not?
-What happens if we refuse to change?
Using only emojis, encourage students to communicate how they feel in different scenarios (ex. first day of school, getting ice cream, the day of a test etc.). Once they are finished, ask them to swap their papers (or laptops) to decipher how their classmates feel. Then, students can conduct a whole class discussion on similarities/differences.
After trying out multiple meditations, encourage students to write and record their own guided meditations to help with a feeling of their choice (ex. anger, sadness, change, discomfort, anxiety). Students can then share their meditations with the rest of the class for feedback.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 3]: Wheel of Awareness

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-28 00:16:50 UTC

Dan Siegal encourages emotional awareness by thinking about our feelings like a bicycle wheel. The article contains a brief overview and a few podcast episodes that are more relevant to teachers than students, but it is still applicable for background knowledge on processing emotions.

Engagements

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-28 00:20:41 UTC

Full Body Trace: Using a large roll of paper, children will team up to trace the outline of their bodies. After the tracing is complete, engage children in a discussion on external vs. internal change. Take notes on the board in a t-chart to document the difference.
Full Body Collage: Using markers, scraps from magazines and images found online, students will work outside of their traced body to write/draw examples of change that can happen that are beyond their control (ex. moving, seasons, weather, going to a new school). Next, they will work inside the traced figure to explore examples of internal change (ex. emotions, new ideas/perspectives, learning new things). Students will present their figures to the class. If time allows, expand the discussion to include ideas they have to respond to change that we can vs. cannot control.
Students can explore how other cultures (ex. Mexico) deal with death, loss of pets/loved ones and grief. They can create presentations and share their findings with the class.

Engagements

lmcgeeney2 — 2024-07-28 00:30:15 UTC

Explore Change: Using journals, encourage students to make a list of all the new things they have experienced in life so far (ex. trying a new food, moving to a new town, meeting a new friend, getting a new pet, learning a new sport, etc). From there, students can document how they felt at the beginning of each new experience. What do they notice?
Debate: Students will decide which side of the argument they agree with - change is good or change is bad. From there, they will need to develop specific examples, conduct research and enact their class debate.
Mirroring Woodson's picture book, The Day You Begin, students will write encouraging poems for younger students first entering elementary school. The poems will explore how it feels to start at a new school - vs. how they feel now. The poems will be collected and given to new students upon entrance to 2nd grade.