Out of Control: How to Handle Anger-yours and Everyone Else's (Scholastic Choices)
#3 in Scholastic Choices Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Anger management strategies for teens. This book offers strategies for young people to manage both their own anger and their response to others' anger.
Discussion points
What are some ways the characters in the book handle their anger?
Can you describe a time when you felt similar to a character in the story? What did you do?
How do you think communication helps in resolving conflicts or anger?
What are some strategies the book suggests for managing anger or frustration?
How do you think understanding someone else’s feelings can change the way we react to them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings as they relate their personal experiences to the situations in the book.
Discuss your own experiences with managing anger and the consequences of different approaches.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage empathy by highlighting the perspectives of different characters.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of communication in resolving conflicts and reducing anger.
Create a safe space for your child to express difficult emotions and brainstorm healthy ways to manage them together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Managing Anger
Explanation: The book provides strategies for recognizing and dealing with anger in oneself and others effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these anger management strategies at school or at home, improving their interpersonal relationships and emotional health.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: It teaches children to understand anger from another person's perspective, fostering empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: This helps children in building stronger bonds with friends and family, and in appreciating the feelings of others in different situations.
Example Lesson: Communication Skills
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of talking about feelings rather than bottling them up or expressing them through aggressive behavior.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express their emotions constructively, enhancing their ability to resolve conflicts and express themselves clearly.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: It introduces effective problem-solving techniques for situations that may cause anger.
Real-World Application: Kids are equipped to handle challenges and obstacles more constructively, reducing frustration and outcomes that stem from anger.
Example Lesson: Self-Control and Mindfulness
Explanation: The narrative encourages mindfulness practices like taking deep breaths to control angry impulses.
Real-World Application: Children can use these techniques to maintain calmness in stressful situations, aiding in better decision-making and maintaining a peaceful state of mind.