Learning with the Heart: The best books

Social Emotional Development with Early Learners

by Dena Illes, Early Literacy Specialist, all photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

Social Emotional Development is a child’s experience, expression, management of emotions and the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others. The last few years of turbulent emotions and upheaval in routines has been hard to make this happen for all people, especially our little ones!

The five areas of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision making and relationship skills. Strategies to support Social Emotional Development include: • Helping children understand themselves and their triggers • Giving caregivers an understanding of brain development • Establishing clear rules and routines • Understanding that behavior is information, and only once we understand it can we modify it • Having tools for selfregulation

Here are some picture books you can check out of your public library that address each of the five areas from SEL.

SELF AWARENESS: “I Like Myself!” by Karen Beaumont Self Awareness is the foundation for growth in early childhood and all throughout life. As children learn more about themselves, they are better able to understand how their thoughts and feelings affect their actions. Self awareness skills are key to emotional awareness. Recognizing feelings and taking steps to manage emotions are essential life skills.

IDENTIFYING FEELINGS: “The Boy with Big, Big Feelings” by Britney Winn Lee Self Management includes being able to identify and manage emotions, thoughts and behavior in different situations. Being self-motivated and having perseverance are also key to this area of SEL.

SELF-MANAGEMENT: (empathy and making friends too) “We don’t eat our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins Self-management can help children use appropriate play and social interaction skills, participate in classroom routines, and engage in instructional activities.

RELATIONSHIP SKILLS: “We Are Better Together” by Joyce Wan With an important and timely message about the power of community and getting along, this sparkly board book truly shows the importance of being stronger together.

FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK: Dena recommends “The Monster at the End of this Book” by Jon Stone.

RESPONSIBLE DECISION MAKING: "The Magic of Me: My Magical Choices” by Becky Cummings Do your children realize they have one of life’s greatest gifts, the ability to make choices that determine how their day will go? No more "I can't," "I don't know" or "I'm not." As you use "My Magical Choices" to teach your children positive, conscious language, they will choose to be responsible, calm, confident, fun, a good sport, forgiving, generous and more!

SOCIAL AWARENESS: “The Kindness Quilt” by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace Social awareness helps children cope in new situations and increases their emotional wellbeing. It helps them recognize how their emotions and behavior influence their interactions. They also use empathy to recognize the mood of others and consider different points of view to build positive and diverse relationships.

Reading alone cannot develop healthy Social Development, but these books are a great way to get started with the conversation and identify feelings and emotions that then can lead you to finding strategies to deal with them.

(HUMAN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE, MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION AND SCIENCES)

2011 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa 33610 813-276-5596; hillsboroughschools.org/sligh

Join a culture of future health professionals whose uniforms are doctors' scrubs four days a week. We are preparing students for one of the fastest growing career fields in the country. Electives engage all students with Career and Technical Education, Family and Consumer Science and our AVID college readiness program.

SOUTH COUNTY CAREER ACCELERATION ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 2810 John Sherman Way, Ruskin 33570 813-233-3335; hillsboroughschools.org/sccc

South County Career Center offers an accelerated program to any high school student to either earn previously lost credits or to accelerate in current courses using Edgenuity. We currently offer Automotive program as well as Agriculture as electives.

SOUTH TAMPA ACADEMY AT MONROE MIDDLE MAGNET

(IB CANDIDATE)

4716 Montgomery Ave., Tampa 33616 813-272-3020; hillsboroughschools.org/monroe

We develop active learners and internationally-minded students. Students will be guided by the International Baccalaureate World School Philosophy. Students can pursue unique electives like computer modeling and simulation. Our sixth grade structure creates a supportive middle school transition. We are the only middle magnet school in South Tampa and prepare our students to potentially step into the halls of Robinson IB!

ST. CECELIA INTERPAROCHIAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1350 Court St., Clearwater 33756 727-461-1207; st-cecelia.org

St. Cecelia (SCS) is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award, both in 2020 and 2010. SCS is also Pinellas county’s only private school to offer the International Baccalaureate to students in grades PreK-3 to grade 8. Through the IB Programme we provide tools, develop character and teach skills that prepare our students to thrive in high school, college and beyond. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our students’ educational and personal success and to the betterment of our local and global communities.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL 1002 S. Rome Ave., 906 S. Orleans Ave., 240 S. Plant Ave., Tampa 33606 813-849-4200; stjohnseagles.org

Located in the heart of Tampa, St. John's Episcopal School delivers an unparalleled, values-driven, progressive education for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Hard work, faith, respect, honesty and a commitment to excellence allow our graduates to thrive in high school, college and beyond.

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 5223 N. Himes Ave., Tampa 33614 813-879-5090; stlawrencecatholicschool.org

St. Lawrence is a Parish school filled with rich traditions of our Catholic faith. The graduates are well prepared spiritually and academically for the next phase of their journey, high school. We pride ourselves in our motto, “La Familia.” All are welcome here at St. Lawrence Catholic School.

ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2101 S. Hubert Ave., Tampa 33629 813-258-5508; smeds.org

St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School provides challenging academics, performing and visual arts, competitive athletics, technology, public speaking, world languages, global studies, community service, religious education and more. St. Mary’s highly-qualified pre-K through 8th grade faculty inspires students to achieve their best, developing into well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges ahead. Enrollment: 642 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 135 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 434 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 445 Class-Size: 20-25 depending on grade Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $7,774-$8,645

Enrollment: 575 Class-Size: 20 Grades: K4-8 Tuition: $15,280 - $15,840

Enrollment: 493 Class-Size: <25 Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $8,046-$11,045

Enrollment: 450 Class-Size: 20 Grades: PreK-8 Tuition: $17,740

STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET (NASA EXPLORER SCHOOL)

1125 Spruce St., Tampa 33607 813-276-5691; hillsboroughschools.org/stewart

Be part of one of the only nationally recognized NASA Explorer Schools in the country! Through our Project Lead the Way curriculum, students choose from electives like aerospace and engineering. Stewart partners with NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force for real-world learning. Our location on the Hillsborough River and next to Blake and near Dunbar Magnet add to the opportunities our students enjoy every day!

TAMPA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 4630 N. Rome Ave., Tampa 33603 813-870-0860; tampacatholic.org

Tampa Catholic High School is a co-educational school of the Diocese of St. Petersburg dedicated to providing students with “Veritas et Caritas” (truth and charity) through educational excellence in a Christ centered environment. Its curriculum reinforces critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, problem solving and depth of understanding necessary for 21st-century learners.

TAMPA DAY SCHOOL 12606 Henderson Road, Tampa 33625 813-269-2100; tampadayschool.com

Celebrating 50 years of meeting the needs of bright students with Dyslexia, ADHD or anxiety, TDS offers a uniquely designed college-prep curriculum. With small class sizes, instruction incorporates interactive and handson experiences, along with an emphasis on study and organizational skills, promoting success and improved confidence. Contact us to learn more!

TAMPA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY MAGNET

(GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY)

305 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa 33602 813-276-5405; hillsboroughschools.org/tampaheights

Our students become innovative thinkers who achieve academically and socially through our seven Wonders—leadership, environment, economics, wellness, innovation, communication and culture. Students can participate in Model United Nations and Odyssey of the Mind, learn world languages and leadership, and experience cultural clusters such as yoga, cooking, African art and LEGO makerspace.

TAMPA PREPARATORY SCHOOL 727 W. Cass St., Tampa 33606 813-251-8481; tampaprep.org

At Tampa Prep, we don't limit our thinking. We keep moving forward even if we can't see over the horizon just yet. We stay open to new ideas and at the ready for new challenges. We are Florida's Most Innovative School. We are Tampa Prep, a co-ed, independent school for grades 6 - 12 in downtown Tampa. We are here to inspire the next great explorers, innovators and creators.

VALRICO LAKE ADVANTAGE ACADEMY 13306 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569 813-699-5049; valricoacademy.com

A tuition-free, public charter school proudly serving students in kindergarten through fifth Grade, the school provides a well-rounded elementary foundation through a challenging curriculum with a focus on teaching math and science in proven and innovative instructional methods preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. We are an “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies. Cognia accredited.

VANGUARD SCHOOL 22000 US Highway 27, Lake Wales 33859 863-676-6091; vanguardschool.org

The Vanguard School is a co-educational boarding and day school for students in grades 6-12. Vanguard specializes in educating students who experience academic learning challenges in an environment that works with academic strategies, executive functioning, social skills, celebrates student strengths and assists in transitioning into higher educational opportunities and independent living. Enrollment: 842 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 725 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: $12,000 - $15,000

Enrollment: 153 Class-Size: 10-12 Grades: 3-8 Tuition: $22,250 + $1,800 in fees

Enrollment: 294 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 710 Class-Size: 15 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: $26,295 - $27,245

Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 100 boarding, up to 120 total Class-Size: 6-10 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: 7-day $49,000; 5-day $43,000; Day $25,500

THE WALDORF SCHOOL OF TAMPA BAY 1857 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor 34683 727-786-8311; waldorftampabay.org

The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay is a 24-year old early childhood and elementary school with a 100+ year old European curriculum rooted in child development. Our preschool and kindergarten is play-based with an emphasis on developing the physical body, and our grades classes teach art, music, movement and practical skills concurrently with robust academics. All our children spend between 2 to 6 hours outdoors, every day. Enrollment: 150 Class-Size: 15 Grades: Parent + Child through Grade 8 Tuition: $10,000-$15,000

WALKER MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)

8282 N. Mobley Road, Odessa 33556 813-631-4726; hillsboroughschools.org/walker

We develop creative and confident learners. Communication, reflection and whole-child learning energize Walker Middle Magnet, Odessa's IB World School. As a Magnet School of Distinction, students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum. High-impact teachers and our Florida Power School Library highlight our exceptional, highly-rated team of educators. Enrollment: 1,094 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

WEB OF WISDOM 5238 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday 34690 727-389-4750; wowschools.org

WOW, where learning meets adventure and education, isn’t limited to the classroom. We offer college preparatory academics (AP/Dual Enrollment) in conjunction with extraordinary extracurriculars. These include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, climbing, camping, athletics (K-12), computer programming, automotive repair, music and photography. We are the education that you’re looking for, with the experiences that your child will remember forever.

WESTLAKE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1551 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor 34683 727-781-3808; westlakechristianschool.org

Westlake Christian School, a National Blue Ribbon School, is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Cognia. Westlake’s mission is to help students develop in their faith, academics, fine arts and athletics. Westlake serves approximately 475 students in Kindergarten through eighth grade from Northern Pinellas County, Southern Pasco County, Trinity, Westchase and surrounding communities.

WILLIAMS MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)

5020 N. 47th St., Tampa 33610 813-744-8600; hillsboroughschools.org/williams

We are a top-ranked IB World School, earning an A-grade for nearly 20 years! We create global learners focused on intercultural awareness and communication. Scholar Quest high school credit offerings challenge students in French, algebra and emerging technology in business. Connect through clubs including LEGO Robotics, Model UN, Future Business Leaders of America and our award-winning Chess Club. Enrollment: 150 Class-Size: 10-19 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $8,800 - $10,500

Enrollment: 475 Class-Size: 1:18 Grades: K-8 Tuition: $8,950-$9,275

Enrollment: 847 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

YOUNG MIDDLE MAGNET (CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE)

1807 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Tampa 33610 813-276-5739; hillsboroughschools.org/young

We empower creative learners with our Project Lead the Way STEM curriculum. We focus on engineering, sustainability and "Global Planting"— engaging students in hands-on learning with an on-campus hydroponic farm and greenhouse, along with student-constructed rain gardens. Students learn using state-of-the-art technology, including touch-enabled whiteboards and 3-D printers. Enrollment: 446 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE