by
Tina VelgosHands Are Not for Hitting
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Kids can learn how to handle emotions without hitting! written by Martine Agassi, Ph.D., Illustrations by Marieka Heinlen ISBN: 1-57542-077-5 |
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Hands Are Not for Hitting is a "must have" book for teachers and parents of young children!
Aimed at kids ages 2-6, but applicable to kids as old as 8, this read-aloud picture book sends a very clear message to kids. That is, hands are wonderful instruments and should be used for good things. Hitting is not allowed!
Written by a clinical therapist and experienced behavioral consultant, Martine Agassi, Ph.D., this book lends well to the classroom. By giving children many alternatives and positive behavioral choices, reading this book aloud helps kids work through their emotions without hitting others.
With a positive spin, Hands Are Not for Hitting includes bright illustrations of children and all the fun things they can do with their hands including waving hello, drawing and writing, communicating, learning and showing love. It also highlights the importance of solving problems in non-violent ways.
If kids are threatened by a school bully, for instance, the book urges kids to walk away from the bully and talk to an older person who could help. Although this may be common sense to a grown-up, this is enlightening information for a 5-year-old.
After reading this book with a small group, a class, or with a child exhibiting aggressive behavior, it's easy for teachers to extend the hitting is never okay concept as a classroom theme. Included at the end of this book are four important pages (with games, creative activities and resources) which help educators and parents expand on the topics presented in Hands Are Not for Hitting.
In today's schools, teachers need to make students aware of an important choice they can make - that is, not to hurt others.
By reading this book to your class or your child, you can reinforce the importance of playing nicely with other children, and suggest other constructive ways to control anger or jealousy instead of hitting or kicking!
Of course, nothing is a substitute for good role models, at school and at home. By making kids aware that there are alternatives to violence, you can teach children that hands are never for hitting!
Thumb's up to Free Spirit Publishing for their forward-thinking by publishing this book.
"Hands Are Not for Hitting" is the registered trademark of the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women and is used with permission.
According to the publisher, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this book will be donated to the Andre Agassi Foundation, "which lends a helping hand to children in need or at risk".