Social Emotional Stories: Helping Kids Connect

By Barbara A. Lewis, author of Social Emotional Stories: Lessons and Learning from Plants and Animals

You probably remember the beloved story of the Ugly Duckling. It resonates with anyone who has ever been left out, teased, or lonely—which pretty much includes all of us. We feel empathy for the misjudged duckling. And when that “duck” discovers he’s a beautiful swan, it gives hope to all that when we discover our true identities, we can also become beautiful.

That’s the power of stories. They can make us feel empathy for the characters when we are transported into their worlds. This makes stories a powerful way to help kids develop socially and emotionally as they live, imaginatively and safely, through the experiences of others.

Stories have never been needed more than they are today. Many students are facing mental, emotional, and social challenges that stem from the unexpected pandemic of 2020. The coronavirus has sparked fears of losing a loved one and challenges related to distance learning, putting food on the table, and keeping friendships and connections with others. Stories can help young people connect with one another through understanding and empathy. For example, here are some questions and activities to engage children after you tell or read the story of the Ugly Duckling that help kids develop socially and emotionally now and in the future.

There are many strategies today for teaching SEL. But many of the processes can be more powerful when introduced with a story. Why begin with a story? You could talk to children about how important it is to be kind to others until you’re blue in the face. Emotional and social growth can occur when kids have the experience of feeling empathy and other emotions for the characters in a story such as The Ugly Duckling. This empathy helps them connect with and understand other people.

Nature’s creatures and plants are nonthreatening to kids. A story about an animal or a plant can reveal important lessons without pointing a finger at a child. Children don’t feel in competition with a dog or a tree.

For example, suppose kindness is not at the top of Sasha’s list of positive qualities. Perhaps she has a history of bullying others. Comparing Sasha to another child who shows more kindness would probably result in Sasha developing anger and resentment toward the other child. The lesson of kindness would be lost in Sasha’s emotions of disappointment or outrage.

Instead, you might try telling a story of Trakr, the faithful German shepherd dog who dug through 30 feet of dangerous debris to rescue the last survivor of the World Trade Center attack in 2011. This story emphasizes kindness, courage, and service. It can release feelings of empathy within children, and you can then direct this emotion to the joy children can feel when they help someone.

Stories can be told with a child on your lap, in an open classroom, socially distanced six feet apart, or online in distance learning. You don’t have to bring a live duck and a swan into the classroom for kids to feel empathy from the story. Great stories can cross all cultures and people. As with The Ugly Duckling, stories can help kids discover their own identities, connect, and see worth and beauty in themselves as well as others.

Barbara A. Lewis is an author and educator who teaches kids how to think and solve real problems. Her elementary school students initiated the cleanup of hazardous waste, improved sidewalks, planted thousands of trees, and even instigated and pushed through several state laws and an amendment to a national law. She has been featured in many national newspapers and magazines and on news programs, and her books have won Parenting’s Reading Magic Award and have been named “Best of the Best for Children” by the American Library Association, among other honors.

Free Spirit books by Barbara A. Lewis:

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