Learning Using Literature

Learning Through literature

Using quality, proven children’s literature as a discipline tool is an under utilized resource. Most children enjoy the same books over and over again because they like the rhythm, pace and content. The snuggle time helps, too.

One way to assist a child with age appropriate emotional and behavioral control is to use books that address the presenting issues. One example that has worked well in my home is to use Curious George books. George is full of enormous energy, ability and curiosity. Like a child, he is often unable to employ the resources for imposing self control.

Monkey Business

For high energy, curious, and investigative children, Linda Budd (author of Living with the Active Alert Child) has a great idea.

Gather and read a variety of Curious George books. Talk about how fun, loving and curious he is. Talk about his adventures. Talk about everything he learns. Talk also about how he gets in danger. How not listening can lead him into trouble. Call Georges personality monkey energy.

Then, talk to your child about their energy and the ways they might be like George. Don’t put it in terms of good and bad, but talk about the different places where that kind of energy works (a park!) and doesn’t (the library). Suggest that next time your child is struggling with monkey energy they put it away until you are at a place for monkey energy.

Be proactive. Before going somewhere, tell them if it will be a place for monkey energy. Make sure to plan for your child to use monkey energy appropriately and frequently. Tell them when the next time is to use it.

When I first started this with my son, I would tell him I see that his monkey energy is out and that while that part of him is great, it was not a good place for it. He would literally put the energy in his pocket and his behavior would change measurably.