I Choose to Make Good Decisions: A Rhyming Picture Book About Making Good Decisions
#13 of 19 in Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
In this rhyming story, 'I Choose to Make Good Decisions' teaches young children the importance of making thoughtful choices. Developed with social emotional learning in mind, the book has been praised by teachers and therapists for its ability to help children understand the consequences of their decisions. Through engaging illustrations and rhythmic rhymes, children are encouraged to pause and consider their actions. The book is part of a series curated to empower children to manage big emotions and make positive choices about their actions and reactions.
Discussion points
What is one decision the character made in the book that you liked? Why?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough choice? What did you decide?
How do the characters in the story figure out what the best decision is?
What are some ways you can make good decisions every day?
How do you feel when you make a good decision?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book to relate to real-life situations your child might face, making the discussion more relevant.
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and thoughts as they relate to the themes of the book to deepen their understanding.
Praise your child for the good decisions they've made in the past while discussing the book to build their confidence.
Ask open-ended questions that promote critical thinking and allow your child to express their opinions freely.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing mistakes and learning from them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of thinking before acting.
Explanation: The book portrays various scenarios where the main character pauses to consider the consequences of their actions before deciding what to do.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking a moment to reflect on the outcomes of their choices, such as sharing toys to foster friendships or doing homework to learn new skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of actions on others.
Explanation: Through rhyme and engaging illustrations, the book shows how the character's decisions affect those around them, promoting empathy and social awareness.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the concept of empathy by encouraging them to consider how their actions might make others feel, like saying kind words to make someone smile or helping a friend in need.
Example Lesson: Taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Explanation: The narrative encourages accountability, illustrating how the protagonist takes ownership of their choices, good or bad.
Real-World Application: By internalizing this lesson, children learn to accept responsibility for their actions, such as apologizing when they’ve made a mistake or taking pride in their successes.
Example Lesson: The value of good decision-making.
Explanation: Each part of the story highlights how making thoughtful, considerate choices leads to positive outcomes, reinforcing the benefits of good judgment.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding in everyday decisions, like choosing healthy foods or spending time on homework, to experience the positive effects of good choices.