School Counseling Books For March
These school counseling books for March are an easy way to keep your students engaged in your lessons. They cover important social-emotional themes like friendship, perseverance and test anxiety. Students will love these books as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the basketball tournament and more!
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St. Patrick’s Day Books For School Counseling
A Rainbow Of Friends by P.K. Hallinan
Recommended Grades: Pre-K to 1
Topics It Covers: Friendship and Acceptance
This sweet book encourages young readers to enjoy the friendship of others. Students will be reminded that we can be friends with people are different than we are, as well as people who are like us. The rainbow theme will fit perfectly with St. Patrick’s Day!
Seamus And The Pot Of Mantras by Sonica Ellis
Recommended Grades: Pre-K to 2
Topics It Covers: Mindfulness, Positive Self Talk, Gratitude
Students will love this book as they learn about mindful mantras and positive self talk. They will also get to dive into the theme of gratitude as they consider all of the things they are thankful for. This is a perfect book to tie SEL into St. Patrick’s day!
The Leprechaun Who Lost His Rainbow by Sean Callahan
Recommended Grades: K to 2
Topics It Covers: Generosity, Friendship
Colleen meets a leprechaun named Roy G. Biv who is trying to rebuild the rainbow he lost. The only problem is that in order to build the rainbow, he needs some of Colleen’s most prized possessions, including gifts from her grandfather. She decides to make the choice to share and ends up reaping a great reward!
Basketball Themed Books For School Counseling
Long Shot: Never Too Small To Dream Big by Chris Paul
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
Topics It Covers: Goal Setting and Perseverance
Famous NBA player Christ Paul shares his story of being nervous that he wouldn’t make the basketball team because he was too short. Instead of getting discouraged, Chris worked hard and developed the skills he needed to reach his goal. Through this book, students will be reminded to work hard and not be set back by their fears.
Allie’s Basketball Dream by Barbara E. Barber
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
Topics It Covers: Self Esteem and Perseverance
Allie got a new basketball from her dad and was excited to try it out. While she was practicing, the boys at the park weren’t too sure that they liked the idea of a girl playing basketball. Instead of listening to the boys, Allie stood up for herself and continued to play the game she loved. This book is not only perfect for perseverance and self esteem, but also for International Women’s Day (March 8, 2020).
Dream Big: Michael Jordan And The Pursuit Of Excellence by Deloris Jordan
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
Topics It Covers: Goal Setting and Perseverance
Michael Jordan was always dreaming of basketball. More than anything, he wanted to be a basketball player when he grew up. With the help of his mom and the coach at the school, Michael was able to put in the effort to make his dreams come true. This book is an important reminder to work hard for the goals you have.
Test Anxiety Books For School Counseling
All The Ways To Be Smart by Davina Bell
Recommended Grades: K to 2
In this fun book, kids will learn that being smart is more than just being good at school. As kids hear about different ways to be smart, they will be encouraged to think about, and embrace, the things that make them smart!
Hooray For Diffendoofer Day by Dr. Seuss
Recommended Grades: K to 3
The Diffendoofer school does things a little differently. When the principal announces that all of the students must take a test to show what they have learned, everyone gets nervous. The students aren’t sure if they have learned enough to pass the test. When the students get their tests, they are pleased to find questions that they knew all about! This is a great book to remind students that they have the knowledge they need to succeed on the test.
The Smart Cookie By Jory John
Recommended Grades: K-3
Cookie struggled in school. She got distracted, made mistakes, and sometimes felt lost. This made her feel worried and upset, until one day her teacher gave a special assignment. This helped Cookie to see that she is smart after all - just in her own way! This story will help readers be confident in their abilities, even if they struggle with some of the more traditional aspects of school.
The Big Test by Julie Danneberg
Recommended Grades: 1-3
It was time for Mrs. Hartwell’s class to take the big test. Her students were prepared, but they just had to learn one last thing - how to show what they know. They practiced different test taking skills, including the most important skill of all - relaxing!
Tyler Tames The Testing Tiger By Janet Bender
Recommended Grades: 2-4
It’s time for the standardized test, and Tyler is feeling nervous. Thankfully he remembers strategies that he learned from his basketball coach, and is able to get through the test. This is a great book to help your students identify their anxiety and use positive coping skills to manage it!
The Anti-Test Anxiety Society by Julia Cook
Recommended Grades: 2-4
B.B. has terrible test anxiety. She knows all of the information but gets so nervous when it’s test time. Thankfully, her teacher gives her some great strategies to beat test anxiety once and for all! This is a great book to help students with test anxiety, especially around the time of standardized testing!
These school counseling books for March are a great way to ensure that your lessons are engaging and effective this month. If you are looking for more books to use in your counseling lessons, sign up below to get your free list of 120 social emotional picture books!
