We Thinkers Volume 1 Social Explorers (Extra Five Storybook Set)

Description

About the We Thinkers! Volume 1 – Five Storybook Set

Through the adventures of four likeable characters, Evan, Ellie, Jesse, and Molly, children are introduced to and learn about complex social concepts in a language they can understand. Readers journey along with the characters as their adventures unfold in various settings that mirror children’s experiences and inspire their imaginations: in the classroom, on a farm, underwater in the ocean, in outer space, at the zoo, and in other child-friendly situations.

This storybook set can be used by parents, therapists, and educators alike in helping children develop better self-awareness and perspective taking when sharing space or interacting with others. Colorful illustrations and fun storybook adventures stimulate children’s curiosity and imagination and engage them in learning these five Social Thinking concepts:

• Thinking Thoughts and Feeling Feelings (Classroom Adventure)
• The Group Plan (Adventure on the Farm)
• Thinking with Your Eyes (Adventure in Space)
• Body in the Group (Ocean Adventure)
• Whole Body Listening (Zoo Adventure)

These storybooks can be purchased here, or as part of the larger curriculum set that they were written to accompany – We Thinkers! Vol. 1 Curriculum/Deluxe Package. If you already purchased the Deluxe Package, there is no need to buy this set unless you want an extra set of the storybooks!

The stories and learning continue with deeper social concepts and activities in We Thinkers Volume 2: Social Problem Solvers Deluxe Package. Teaching is sequential across this early learner series. Be sure to work through the concepts and storybooks in Volume 1 before using the Volume 2 five storybook set!

Now, about the storybooks…

UNIT 1:  Thinking Thoughts and Feeling Feelings (Classroom Adventure)

What does it mean to think a thought or feel a feeling? In this Classroom Adventure story, Evan, Ellie, Jesse and Molly become more aware of their own thoughts and feelings and explore the idea that others have thoughts and feelings too – pivotal concepts that set the stage for the other Social Thinking concepts that follow.

UNIT 2:  The Group Plan (Adventure on the Farm)

Understanding what it means to be part of a group is a fundamental social concept to develop in our early learners. In this Farm Adventure, our four characters learn that when everyone is thinking about and doing the same thing, it’s called the group plan, which is different from following one’s own plan.

UNIT 3: Thinking with Your Eyes (Adventure in Space)

The concept of thinking with your eyes helps children understand there is a purpose for observing others and the environment. In this Space Adventure, Evan, Ellie, Jesse and Molly land on an alien planet and learn that while verbal communication with aliens may challenging, by thinking with their eyes they can figure out how to interact – and have fun – with the creatures they encounter.

UNIT 4:  Body in the Group (Ocean Adventure)

While we often realize the importance of verbal language and what to say in a conversation, it is important to understand that physical proximity sends a nonverbal message to others and is a key ingredient to successful social interactions. In this Ocean Adventure, Evan, Ellie, Jesse, and Molly learn that keeping your body in the group means maintaining a comfortable physical presence around others – not too close, yet not too far away.

UNIT 5:  Whole Body Listening (Zoo Adventure)

The concept of whole body listening was introduced in 1990 by Susanne Poulette Truesdale to help young children understand that listening is an “active” process. In this storybook Evan, Ellie, Jesse, and Molly have a zoo adventure where they learn that listening is more than just using their ears – we listen with our eyes, ears, mouth, hands, arms, legs, and feet!