Literature and arts are known to be great channels for thought and emotional expression. Books and stories have always been used to promote social-emotional skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and self-management. Therefore, children’s literature may be key to building social and emotional learning skills in children.

Studies show that literature and reading promote imaginative process, allow children to do things they often cannot do in life. This allows for better self-awareness and understanding of other people’s inner lives.

When choosing children’s literature, keep in mind books that will promote a child’s feelings of happiness, joy, trust, and love. The more competent children are with SEL skills, the more successful they will be in school and life in general. Start with those books that will encourage self-awareness and strengthen relationships.

How to Choose the Right Books

Developmentally appropriate literature allows children to identify with the story characters and relate the protagonists’ thoughts, feelings, and actions to their own. This helps children understand that they aren’t the only ones who struggle with a specific problem, which encourages a child to release suppressed feelings.

When selecting books for SEL skills promotion, make sure to find stories with diverse characters that honestly portray human nature and that display a range of emotions that children can relate to. For younger children, use picture books as the facial features expressed in illustrations help children recognize and communicate feelings.

Also, well-written books encourage children to share their experiences and explore different ways of resolving problems. Stories that promote SEL skills contain realistic plots and believable stories.