Read 2 Succeed: Navigating Big Feelings This School Year

The Power of Stories in Nurturing Emotional Growth

Helping children understand and manage their emotions is one of the most important responsibilities of parents and caregivers. Kids often struggle to articulate what they're feeling, and even the most patient adults can find it challenging to respond effectively during moments of tension or conflict. This is where stories play a crucial role, especially during the school year.

Books offer a safe and meaningful way to discuss emotions, empathy, and healthy relationships with children. Through the experiences of relatable characters, kids can see how others deal with anger, sadness, fear, or frustration—and begin to recognize and understand these feelings in themselves. Stories create opportunities for conversations that support emotional growth while also strengthening bonds between children and the adults in their lives.

Seeing Themselves in the Stories They Read

Children need to see themselves and others reflected in the books they read. When a child feels represented in a story, the lessons become more real, memorable, and impactful. Reading about different lived experiences helps expand empathy, cultural awareness, and curiosity. It encourages children to think beyond their own perspectives and connect with the world around them.

What Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social-emotional learning is an essential part of a child’s development. It involves helping children:

• Understand and manage their emotions
• Show empathy for others
• Set goals and make responsible decisions
• Build strong friendships and healthy relationships

While SEL is often associated with school, it starts at home through everyday interactions, play, routines, and shared reading experiences.

Supporting SEL at Home

There are simple yet effective ways to support social-emotional growth with your child. Consider the following strategies:

• Talk about feelings—both yours and theirs. Name emotions when they arise.
• Model healthy communication—show how to listen, take turns, and apologize.
• Practice problem-solving—use real-life situations to explore choices and solutions.
• Celebrate effort and growth, not just outcomes.

These practices help children develop emotional intelligence and resilience from an early age.

How Reading Helps Build Social-Emotional Skills

Reading together is a powerful tool for developing social-emotional skills. Choose books that explore themes like emotions, friendships, loss, bravery, or community. As you read, consider these discussion points:

• Pause to ask, “How do you think that character feels?”
• Invite your child to share a time they experienced similar emotions.
• Talk about how the character handled challenges and whether they would do the same.
• Reflect together after the story ends.

These conversations enhance both emotional growth and reading comprehension, creating a win-win scenario for children.

Building a Social-Emotional Library at Home

Creating a diverse and relevant library doesn’t require a large collection. Focus on books that:

• Reflect your child’s background, family structure, and community
• Introduce characters from different cultures, abilities, and life experiences
• Explore themes like empathy, resilience, kindness, grief, or identity

Looking for recommendations? Check out these 5 suggested SEL children’s book titles. Your local librarian can also be a valuable resource, as well as curated lists from organizations like Lee & Low Books.

The Lasting Impact of Shared Reading

Books may not solve every problem, but they can open the door to meaningful connections, insights, and healing. When we read with our kids, we’re not just building readers—we’re nurturing emotionally healthy individuals.

For more resources or to get involved with initiatives like Read 2 Succeed, follow them on Instagram and Facebook @r2sasheville or visit r2sasheville.org.