This is the perfect time for an updated version of Julia Cook's 2008 book, Don't Be Afraid to Drop.
With the uncertain times our students and their families are still facing, it is helpful to have a story to share about change, facing our fears, and taking risks.
Julia Cook is re-releasing this timely story about Hopp the raindrop with new, softer illustrations by Anna Laura Sullivan.
Hopp is too worried to drop. It is something new and unfamiliar. This means change and he is afraid to leave the comfort of his home, family, and friends. The cloud is his home and where he feels he belongs, "It's all I've ever known," he says. Hopp talks about being nervous and scared and a tummy that's all in knots. Our students will be able to relate to Hopp's feelings and many will be able to recall a time they felt the same way. I can imagine lots of different conversations where students are sharing their feelings about change and the ways they handled their fear and were successful. There are so many great teachable moments here!
Hopp has lots of questions and "What ifs..." about dropping. But, with the encouragement of his father, Hopp learns to let go.
"Don't be afraid to drop to the ground. Be brave and trust what I say. If you don't take a risk, you'll never find out what great things might happen today."
This book has so many wonderful lessons for students, whether starting Kindergarten or transitioning to Middle School. It helps all of us to think about change and the rewards and growth that comes with taking risks.
Check out this Facebook video of Julia talking about the idea for this book, her own discomfort with making recordings, how she has gotten better, her "spring" comparison, and her reading of the book.
Two FREE Books
Thank you to the National Center for Youth Issues for donating 2 free copies of Don't Be Afraid to Drop for this give-away! Please like/follow them @nationalcenterforyouthissues.
To enter this give-away, leave a comment below this blog post, on the Exploring School Counseling Facebook page, or the School Counselor Store Facebook page with a way you encourage students to take risks. Winners will be selected at random and announced on Sunday, January 17 at midnight EST. The more places you comment, the more chances you have to win! Check back here or on Facebook for winners.
Good Luck!!!
Congratulations to our book winners, Nicole Parker and Michelle Hopper Mawhiney!
I encourage kindness which often requires taking risks.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had these conversations yet with my students, as I just started my position in September, and we have been doing a lot of identifying feelings. But I think that will help when it comes to taking risks and facing fears. Once they have identified that feeling, then they can begin to overcome that fear.
ReplyDeleteWe use the Choose Love curriculum and we are constantly talking to our students about courage and, that its not the absence of fear but rising above and doing it anyway. We address it from trying something new, to keep going when maybe that math problem is just too tough or how to stay true to you. We teach that the bravest thing someone can do is to be their authentic self and, in doing so have the ability to change the world.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so cute! Very timely with my school district moving towards bringing our kids back to in-person school. There are so many unknowns for our students and this book could help ease some of their worries!
ReplyDeleteI encourage students to take risks by trying difficult things.
ReplyDeleteI encourage students to take risks by sharing books and videos in lessons. We discuss having teaching about a growth vs. fixed mindset. We discuss how we will never know what we are capable of if we never try.
ReplyDeleteThis is just the book I’ve been looking for! Can’t wait to share with my students.
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