Education and Discussion
As a one-time elementary education student and a certified handwriting instructor with Learning Without Tears, Stephanie believes wholeheartedly in the reading and discussion opportunities that come with a children's book. She took it a step further than most by incorporating a font that illustrates proper printed letters to model.
Discussion Points
Help the reader develop their imagination by engaging in dialogue with them throughout the story. You can also use images in the story to teach colors, names of animals, and to count.
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Encourage the child to mimic each funny sound.
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Pause and allow the child to answer the question "What do you hear?"
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Ask the child which illustration is their favorite and why.
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Identify colors and animals by name.
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Share with the child a sound you have felt or do feel is scary and include what you hear.
SUPPORTING A CHILD WHO HAS A FEAR
When a child expresses fear (or demonstrates behaviors retracting from situations), encourage them to talk about their fear and identify the sounds, objects, or sights that upset them. You can help empower your child to create happy thoughts and images that distract them from scary sounds or images and promote feelings of safety and security. Your objective as a supporter is to help the child feel safe but develop their ability to perform this mental work independently. So, as they grow and become more independent, they are not reliant on an adult for their mental health. Some tips are:
⭐Stay Calm: Remain composed to reassure your child.
⭐Listen to Their Concerns: Validate their feelings and offer support.
⭐Offer Reassurance: Assure them of their safety and your protection.
⭐Use Positive Language: Avoid dismissing fears; provide positive reinforcement.
⭐Provide Distraction: Offer comforting items or activities to divert their attention.
⭐Teach Coping Strategies: Practice deep breathing or counting exercises together.
⭐Model Calm Behavior: Demonstrate calm reactions to scary sounds.
⭐Limit Exposure: Reduce exposure to scary sounds, especially before bedtime.
⭐Avoid Negative Reinforcement: Focus on support rather than excessive sympathy.
⭐Seek Professional Help if Needed: Consider therapy if fears persist.
⭐Encourage Positive Visualization: Guide them to imagine happy and comforting scenes.
⭐Use Imaginary Play: Engage in creative play to create optimistic scenarios.
⭐Read Happy Stories: Choose uplifting books to read together.
⭐Create a Happy Place: Establish a physical or imaginary safe space.
⭐Practice Positive Affirmations: Repeat affirmations to promote positivity and bravery.
⭐Use Distraction Techniques: Offer enjoyable activities to divert attention.
⭐Use Music or Sounds: Play soothing music or sounds to create a calming environment.
⭐Praise and Reinforce Positive Behavior: Acknowledge and praise their positive coping efforts.
⭐Be Patient and Supportive: Provide guidance and encouragement throughout the process.
NOTES FOR EDUCATORS
The font choice was deliberately selected because it accurately represents printed letters as taught by Handwriting Without Tears.
As a certified Handwriting Instructor by Learning Without Tears, Stephanie feels strongly about modeling correctly printed letters. In this book, you will see a clear demonstration of “small,” “tall,” “fall,” and capital letters.
Additionally, spacing between letters is “as close as they can get without touching or overlapping,” and the spacing between words is perfect!
The Squirrels Bowling on the Roof coordinating coloring book intentionally presents the text in a light gray font so that children can trace over the letters and practice their printing.