Feelings, behaviour, social stuff, mindfulness and wellbeing

We know that talking about emotions builds emotional literacy and is a powerful way to help tamariki manage their emotions - it's all about understanding them. Books and media are great ways to start this kōrero, normalise emotions and behaviours, and gently remind students of how to manage the tricky stuff.

Many of these you can find as readings on You Tube, but we know that libraries are full of these books and more - head off on an adventure to your local and see what's there.

For younger tamariki, we love:

  • Giraffes Can't Dance - Giles Andreae
  • Neither - Airlie Anderson
  • Brave or any music by Michal
  • The Invisible String - Patrice Karst
  • Oh the Places You'll Go - Dr Seuss
  • Banjo Bounces Back - Lachie Hume
  • Beautiful Oops – Barney Saltzberg (YouTube clip and also a book)
  • Feeling Scared - Sesame Street song
  • There are no Animals in this Book, Only Feelings - Chani Sanchez
  • I like Myself - Karen Beaumont
  • Have you Filled Your Bucket Today? - Carol McLeod
  • Prickly Jenny - Sibylle Delacroix
  • When Sophie's Feelings are Really Really Hurt - Molly Bang
  • Feelings song - Sesame Street
  • My Big Shouting Day - Rebecca Patterson
  • Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very-Bad Day - Judith Viorst
  • Emotions in Motion- Rose Stanley and Lisa Allen (also a great website full of fun printables)
  • Kei Te Pehea Koe? How do you Feel? - Tracy Duncan
  • Invisible Jerry - Adam Wallace
  • The 'Chair' Series (Chill Out Chair, The Goodbye Chair) - Josephine Carson Barr
  • Kiwicorn - Kat Merewether
  • Feel a Little, Poems about Big Feelings - Jenny Palmer


For older tamariki, we love:

  • Rising Tide - by Sarina Dickson
  • The 10pm Question - Kate de Goldi
  • Talking mental health animation
  • Awakening Joy for Kids - James Baraz and Michelle Lilyanna
  • Wonder - R J Palacio
  • Any of the the Aroha's Way Series - Craig Philips
  • Unstoppable Me - Wayne Dyer
  • The Feelings Book - Lynda Madison
  • Use Your Voice - Harriet Bremner
  • From Worrier to Warrior, a Guide to Conquering Your Fears - Dan Peters
  • Outsmarting Worry - Dawn Huebner