Social Emotional Learning: Children's Literature

                                                           

"Life begins when you get back up" - Humpty Dumpty    

Kindergarten...say no more about social emotional learning.  It is THE place that children really hone in on learning and applying social emotional skills they have learned.  As a Kindergarten teacher, most of our day is redirecting and re-enforcing social emotional learning.  Children are coming from many different home environments, family structures, cultures and have varying levels of school experience.  Some schools have counselors that help teach SEL and some do not.  Finding books that help teach these skills and also engage the students can be difficult.  I am so glad I found this book; it is simple, familiar and encourages students to face their fears and never give up.  After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again" by Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat takes us to the moment after Humpty Dumpty has a great fall.....

What happened to Humpty Dumpty after his great fall?! It sounds like something grand and enjoyable, right?  On the contrary, it was a terrible accident; however, all the Kingsmen were able to put Humpty Dumpty back together again...well, most of him.  The book mentions that some things glue and bandages cannot fix.  Is a children's book addressing mental health and anxiety?? Why yes, yes it is!! 

     This sequel to the very popular children's story follows Humpty after his tragic fall and the difficult emotions he experiences as he faces his fears.  Due to his fall from the wall, Humpty was troubled with a fear of heights, something very unfortunate for an avid bird watcher. He walked past the ladder each day instead of climbing the ladder to watch birds, one of his most favorite activities.  Accidents can happen, so he settled for watching the birds from the ground.  It just wasn't the same though. 

    An idea flies by in the air; a paper airplane inspired him to make his very own flying bird.  He tried day after day and did not give up, until he finally made the perfect bird.  He was so overjoyed and happy again. He was reminded that accidents always happen and Humpty's bird went up over the wall.  We all have something that speaks to our fears, and sooner or later we must face them if we want to reach our goals or make new ones.  Humpty Dumpty faces his fears step by step and climbs the ladder again.  Even though he was scared, he knew that giving up was not an option.  

This book can be used in both early childhood classrooms, but I also think it would be great to use in middle school classes as well.  The message of encouragement is apparent for young students, but older students can dig deeper on the topic. Mental health and anxiety are both topics I believe extremely important to discuss with young adolescents.  

It would also be fun to use this book to complete a STEM activity and build Humpty a protective jacket or box to keep him from breaking if he falls again. Kindergarten and first grade students can sequence events.. first, next, then, last.  Middle School students can write a story about Humpty Dumpty and what would happen if he decided to not try again. This would be fun to have students work collaboratively on in small groups.  Where is Humpty now?  What is he doing?  Does he have a new hobby?  The possibilities are endless!

Watch the read aloud here:

https://youtu.be/dUKt1a6I3yw

Need additional resources, similar book suggestions,  book companions?  Click the link below for all of that and more

https://childrenslibrarylady.com/after-the-fall/