Happy 2022! In the first edition of Upbeat News for the new year, we’re sharing books and resources to help students build self-confidence. An excerpt from We Listen to Our Bodies by Lydia Bowers helps children cultivate physical and emotional awareness of their feelings, a great first step toward self-confidence. Read the excerpt.

We’re also spotlighting our recent release We Check In with Each Other, a story that gives children a vocabulary to understand that they can change their minds at any time and helps them develop and communicate personal boundaries. These picture books take place in preschool, but the lessons of consent are applicable for students of all ages.

For additional ways to help students build their self-confidence with books, read on. Also be sure to grab our free download this month, “How to Keep an I-Did-It List” handout from A Teacher’s Guide to Stick Up for Yourself!, to help students celebrate their wins throughout the year.

In case you missed the announcement last month, Free Spirit Publishing has been acquired by Teacher Created Materials.
Special Offer
Get free shipping on orders over $75 from freespirit.com. Sale ends January 31, 2022. Use code FSJAN at checkout.

*Excludes already discounted sets, clearance items, and eBooks.
Recent Release Spotlight
The second book in the We Say What’s Okay series, We Check In with Each Other gives children a vocabulary to understand that they can change their minds at any time, develop and communicate personal boundaries, and build their social and emotional skills.

The story follows Harrison as he checks in with himself and with his classmates throughout the day to see if they’re still having fun and feeling safe. Using the book as a read-aloud, educators and families can model the language Harrison’s teachers use to support children as they learn to listen to their body signals and respect the personal boundaries of others. Learn more.
Recommended Resources
Zach Hangs In There
A picture book that teaches kids how to persevere when things get difficult through positive self-talk.

Ages 5–8 | $12.99
Dream Up Now
This guided journal for creative self-expression allows teens to explore emotions, create art, and envision life’s possibilities.

Ages 13 & up | $15.99
Mindset Power
Positive, practical, you-can-do-it advice to help kids and tweens of all abilities achieve their goals.

Ages 9–13 | $13.99
Click here for more books that build confident kids.
Tips & Tools from the Free Spirit Blog
How to Set Family Goals and Reap the Rewards
What Do You Really Want? author Beverly K. Bachel offers tips for how to set shared goals as a family—and strengthen your family relationships at the same time. Read now.
Goal Setting During Uncertain Times
Responding to Student Trauma author and school counselor Stephanie Filio shares trauma-informed ways to help students set goals for the new year. Read now.
Recent Review
“Mangal’s story is simple and sweet, with instructions on how to make one’s own urban garden. Daley’s cheerful paintings highlight color and natural beauty.”—Star Tribune

 

Leave Us a Review
 
What’s your favorite Free Spirit title?
Tell us! Visit freespirit.com, select the product that has helped you the most in your work with kids, and leave us a review.
Free Download

From A Teacher’s Guide to Stick Up for Yourself!, the “How to Keep an I-Did-It List” handout helps students pause, reflect, and celebrate their accomplishments throughout the year.
Find Free Spirit
Meet up with us online! Check out the Free Spirit Publishing blog, with more than 1,000 articles featuring tips and tools for educators, counselors, and parents. And join our edWeb community, Social-Emotional Learning, Positive Behavior, and Student Achievement, to download free resources, connect with other educators, and register for our webinars.

Questions? Send me an email; my inbox is always open.

Suzy Winther, Senior Marketing Specialist
Free Spirit Publishing is a division of Teacher Created Materials.