Read-alouds aren’t just a classroom staple—they can be the go-to in your counseling office. With the right book and some strategic planning, read-alouds can help you connect with students, teach social-emotional skills, and encourage thoughtful self-reflection.
In this post, we’re diving into:
- Why read-alouds are so effective during counseling sessions.
- Tips for choosing the right book to match your goals.
- Ideas for incorporating read-alouds into individual counseling, small groups, and classroom lessons.
- How the SEL Book Database can save you time and simplify your planning process.
Why Use Read Alouds in Counseling?
A well-chosen story can spark powerful conversations, help students feel seen, and open the door to exploring tricky emotions. Here’s why incorporating read-alouds into your counseling practice is worth it:
- Build Connections: Sharing a story fosters trust and invites students—especially those who may struggle to open up—to engage in a non-threatening way.
- Promote Emotional Expression: A book can give students the words or scenarios they need to better express how they’re feeling.
- Encourage Empathy: By stepping into a character’s world, students can practice understanding different perspectives.
- Reinforce SEL Skills: Books are a natural way to introduce topics like friendship, self-regulation, perseverance, or problem-solving—without it feeling like a lecture.
Matching Books to Counseling Goals
A great read-aloud starts with the right book. To make the most impact, it’s important to choose titles that align with your counseling goals and the needs of your students. Here are some quick tips:
- Match Books to SEL Themes: Identify the behaviors, emotions, or skills you’re focusing on (e.g., calming anxiety, building friendships, improving self-control).
- Consider Developmental Level: Keep your group’s age in mind—select books with age-appropriate language, themes, and illustrations.
- Consider Representation: Seek out books that reflect diverse identities and experiences. Students need both mirrors (stories that reflect their experiences) and windows (stories that expose them to new perspectives).
Quick Suggestions for Popular SEL Topics:
- For Younger Students (K-2): Simple, relatable stories with clear “teachable moments,” like The Way I Feel by Janan Cain.
- For Older Students (Grades 3-5): Books with more complex narratives, such as The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, to spark deeper discussions.
- Standout SEL Themes: Growth mindset (After the Fall by Dan Santat), accepting angry feelings (Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang), or friendship-building (Enemy Pie by Derek Munson).
Practical Ways to Use Read-Alouds in Counseling
Once you’ve got the perfect story, the fun begins! Read-alouds can fit seamlessly into a variety of counseling settings:
Individual Counseling
Reflection Tools: A well-chosen book can serve as a gentle way to help students reflect on their own feelings or challenges. For example, after reading, you might ask, “How do you think the character was feeling? When have you felt like that? Did you notice what they did when someone was mean to them?"
Emotion Identification: Pause during the story to ask students how the character might be feeling and why. Use this as a springboard to discuss their own emotions.
Problem-Solving Practice: Choose stories where characters face challenges. Discuss how the student might approach a similar situation in their life.
Journaling or Drawing: After the read-aloud, encourage students to express their thoughts through writing or drawing inspired by the story.
Small Groups
Role-Playing Scenarios: Use the book as a base for role-playing activities where students practice solving similar problems or responding to situations described in the story.
Group Discussion Circles: Facilitate a discussion about the characters’ choices and how they relate to the group’s goals (e.g., teamwork, handling frustration).
Collaborative Projects: After reading, students can work together to create a poster, comic strip, or skit that highlights the story’s message.
SEL Skill Reinforcement: Use books to introduce specific skills like active listening or conflict resolution. After the story, guide students through activities where they practice these skills in a supportive group setting.
Find the Perfect Book with the SEL Book Database
We’ve all been there—spending way too much time googling “books for kids with anxiety.” The SEL Book Database is here to save you time and frustration. This easy-to-use tool helps you find just the right book by theme, grade level, or topic.
How to Use the SEL Book Database:
- Search: Type in keywords like “friendship,” “self-control,” or “growth mindset” to pull up a list of books that address those themes.
- Filter by Grade Level, Theme, and more: Narrow down books based on different criteria.
Example: Planning a Small Group on Overcoming Challenges
Let’s say your group is focusing on resilience. A quick search for “resilience” in the database might lead you to After the Fall by Dan Santat. This story is all about perseverance—perfect for sparking discussions on bouncing back from setbacks. Follow it up with an activity where students write or draw about times they faced challenges and how they overcame them.
Bonus Tips to Maximize Read Alouds
Want to take your read-aloud sessions to the next level? Try these simple strategies:
- Use Props or Visuals: Make the story come alive by using illustrations, puppets, or props. For example, during The Color Monster, you could show colored jars or objects to represent emotions.
- Follow Up with Activities: Have students draw, write, or even act out parts of the story to reinforce the lesson.
- Encourage Discussion: Use research based engagement strategies to get students thinking and talking.
Using Read Alouds in Counseling
Read-alouds are so much more than just reading—they’re an opportunity to connect, grow, and inspire. With a thoughtful book choice, a little creativity, and some practical planning, you can make read-alouds a powerful part of your counseling practice.
Ready to get started? Visit the SEL Book Database today and find the perfect story for your next session.
💬 What’s YOUR favorite book to use in counseling? Share in the comments!
Resources In This Post
The Color Monster
A perfect read aloud lesson to pair with social emotional learning activities about feelings. This low prep book companion includes a lesson plan, discussion questions, 2 student activities.
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
A wonderful book that shows children to be proud of who you are no matter what anyone says. Includes a lesson plan, read aloud comprehension questions, two student activities, discussion questions, and self-talk card.
