More Books to Teach Empathy

Many first graders have not fully developed empathy.  Sharing doesn't come naturally because they honestly don't understand why they should.  They don't see things from the other's perspective, they just know what toy or snack they like.  They know they want to be first so they go for it because they don't realize there are 23 other kids who would like to be first sometimes.  They need many, many reminders about rules and a variety of examples of why and how we follow the social contract.  My first post on books to teach empathy has been so popular that I decided to get more (and tell you about them).  So if you're looking for books that help your first graders learn empathy, read on! 

Chocolate Milk Por Favor  This is a great story about learning to overlook people's flaws and focusing on their strengths.  Although one child in the story doesn't know much English when he starts school, he is a great soccer player.  And of course he learns enough conversational English quickly enough to make some friends.  Although one character in the book starts out as very dismissive of this child, the reason why may surprise you.  Your class will learn to look past first impressions. 

Those Shoes  This book is tough to get through if you're a crier!  It starts out a classic needs vs. wants tale.  The boy wants fancy shoes and his family can't afford them.  The twist comes when he sees someone else who is also in need of new shoes and he has to decide if, as little as he has, should he help the other kid.  You can guess how it ends, but how he gets there is a little surprise that will touch you. 

The Juice Box Bully  This book is a little wordy for first grade, but I include it because it's so important for empathy.  I plan to try it at the END of the year to help the kids think about what they want their second grade class to be like, ideally.  After all, if they learn to stand up for themselves and others respectfully, they just might help out my first graders next year out at recess! 

A Flicker of Hope  This book gets deep into some bad feelings.  It might be too intense for a whole class lesson.  The little candle is feeling hopeless, loss, depressed, and anxious.  She learns that these feelings can be mitigated, and how reaching out to ask for help and later to make others feel good can help her feel better. 

If You Plant a Seed  Yes, this is a book about empathy, although it's disguised as a book about gardening.  Think of the adage, "You reap what you sow" and add beautiful illustrations and you'll get the idea. 

Something Beautiful   There aren't too many books that I know of that show younger children what low income neighborhoods look like.  This book will open a window to this world while still sharing a message of beauty. 

But if you only get 5 books from this list to teach empathy, get these!

The Bad Seed  This is a perfect book to help kids start to empathize with a difficult peer.  You know, that kid who is always acting out.  As their teacher, sometimes you know why they do it; you know about back story, but you can't just tell the other kids they have a rough home life.  This book starts out showing the bad behaviors and the fact that the seed KNOWS he's bad.  Then we find out what happened to emotionally damage him.  And finally, we see that he's starting to make an effort to do better so we need to support him.  Love this story. 

Little Blue Truck board book  I didn't know if this book was going to be more suited for preschool than first grade, since it's a board book.  But I'm glad I took a chance on it.  It's a little like the little engine that could but the vehicle has more of an edge.  And it just takes one well liked vehicle to rally the community to help the one with the bad attitude.  I feel like this idea of getting one friend on your side and then many more will follow is a great message that isn't covered by many other books.  

How Kind board book  This it a cute book about "paying it forward."  It gets kids thinking about how they can be kind, as well as watching how one kind deed can make kindness spread to many others.

But Its Not My Fault   This a story about a child who feels like he's blamed for everything.  He can explain how others played a role in each scenario.  But we start to realize he's not taking responsibility for his own actions.  It's a little long to read all at once, but reading one scenario each day as part of Morning Meeting or a social skills lesson is a great way to help children understand responsibility. 

Enemy Pie   This is such a cool book for kids who just don't get along!  And the rest of your class will be captivated too.  One of the dads decides to make an "enemy pie" as revenge for his son's nemesis.  He promises to put all bad things in the pie and serve it up on one condition.  The boys have to play together for one afternoon.  After spending time together, the son has to decide: let his "enemy" eat the pie or save him! 

If you love Amazon as much as I do, here's a tip I have for you.  Put ALL the books that interest you in their own wish list called First Grade Books.  If you use my affiliate links I will receive a commission at no cost to you.  Buy a few that you feel like you will definitely want to read next month.  Leave the rest and revisit it every few weeks to watch for price cuts.  Depending on how badly you want a book, set a specific price goal in mind, and when a few drop below your threshold make your purchases and make your book wishes come true! 

My Teachers Pay Teachers Store
My Pinterest