I Choose to Try Again: A Colorful, Rhyming Picture Book About Perseverance and Diligence
#2 of 19 in Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
In this rhyming story, Kiara learns how to keep going even when things get too hard. Through colorful illustrations and rhythmic rhymes, Kiara reflects on her mistakes and realizes that mistakes help her grow. Instead of avoiding them, she learns from them so she can improve. 'I Choose to Try Again' is a story with social emotional learning (SEL) in mind, praised by teachers and therapists worldwide. It's designed to help children cope with emotions and teach them the power of perseverance and diligence. The book encourages children to develop an understanding of their own emotions and learn from real-life examples provided by Kiara on what perseverance looks like.
Discussion points
What do you think it means to persevere, and can you think of a time when you persevered?
Why do you think the character kept trying even when it was difficult?
How did the characters in the book feel when they succeeded? How do you feel when you succeed at something challenging?
What are some ways you can try again when something doesn’t work out the first time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book to discuss personal experiences where perseverance led to success, making the conversation relatable.
Praise your child's efforts and past instances where they showed perseverance, linking it to the characters’ journeys.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about trying and failing, and discuss the importance of not giving up.
Ask your child to draw or act out a scene from the book where a character tries again, reinforcing the message through creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays the main character facing challenges but choosing to try again despite failures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, whether it's trying to ride a bike or solving a tough puzzle.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: As the character continues to try, they gain more confidence in their abilities.
Real-World Application: This can help children to believe in themselves and their skills, encouraging them to take on new challenges without fear.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book shows the character experimenting with different solutions when problems arise.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically and experiment with different methods to overcome obstacles in their daily life.
Example Lesson: Emotional resilience
Explanation: Each failure is met with renewed effort and optimism by the character.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their emotions and bounce back from setbacks, fostering emotional strength.