Character Development

It's natural for young children to get excited and then behave in ways that might seem rude. Teaching children how to look at situations from the point of view of others, or to have empathy, is one way to help kids better understand how their behaviors...

2021 IndieReader Book Cover Contest Winner!!  Mr. Smith is the green thumb of the neighborhood, and his colorful garden and perfectly manicured lawn are his pride and joy. So, when he eyes the neighborhood kids traipsing through his yard and...

Rhymes, lyrics, mnemonic devices and graphic illustrations made this series a Mom’s Choice Awards Gold winner! Each story is written in an attention-grabbing, comic-book style that tackles an issue that touches every child—bullying, negative...

From standing up to a bully to speaking up when you're struggling in school to sharing concerns with a partner when you're an adult to advocating for what you need or want in a job, self-advocacy has many benefits. But it takes practice! Award-winning...

Being able to speak up for yourself is a life skill. Teaching children the value of self-advocacy can help in many ways. Remind students of the steps to controlling their impulses from Bryan Smith's Speak Up For Yourself storybook, by displaying this...

Amelia has never been one to be timid. She's confident enough to stand up for others and let people know what she thinks. So why is she having a hard time advocating for herself? When a new seating arrangement lands Amelia next to Billy, who spends all...

Help students understand that everyone has different talents and skills and remind them how important it is to value the contributions of others. Reinforce the message from Bryan Smith's Everyone's Contributions Count storybook, by displaying...

Kind children have a high tendency to demonstrate empathy toward their peers, siblings, and others in their lives. Reinforce the message from Bryan Smith's Empathy is My Superpower! storybook, by displaying this colorful 8.5"x11" poster in...

It's easy for kids to feel sad when bad things happen in their lives. It's so important for children to learn how to deal with difficult times in positive ways so they can be successful at home, in school, and with others. Reinforce the message from...

Overreacting is common for children, but as they get older, it becomes more important that they learn to manage their emotions and practice flexible thinking. Reinforce the message from Bryan Smith's My Day is Ruined! storybook, by displaying...

Teaching children to do random acts of kindness helps them understand why it's important to be nice to others. It also helps them learn that just doing something nice for someone can be a great reward all by itself! Reinforce the message from Bryan...

Competition is a natural, and in most instances, healthy part of growing up. We encourage our students and athletes to strive to be the best they can be. Reinforce the message and social skill of "Displaying Good Sportsmanship" from Bryan Smith's...

Honesty is the best policy. Right? Sure, of course it is. But what happens when someone is a little too honest, and offers unsolicited - and way too much - information that may be hurtful to others? That's what happens when RJ struggles with his social...

When people think of feedback, they typically think of developmental feedback, or criticism. But positive feedback, or a compliment, is just as important. Receiving developmental feedback is never easy, but it is absolutely a part of life. Most people...

This unique story presents a timeline of events from sunup to sundown, in a day in the life of five seventh graders - Ashley, Kenisha, Taara, Ryan and Andrew. As they walk the hallways, attend class and navigate the dreaded lunchroom, they experience all...

Reinforce the importance of the social skills that RJ learns in the story I Can't Believe You SAID That!, part of the BEST ME I Can Be! series, by displaying these colorful 8.5"x11" posters in classrooms, hallways, and common areas in your...