After 15 years in the classroom, one truth remains unshaken: my commitment to helping students human—to grow, feel, and navigate the world with compassion and confidence. More than ever, kids need this.

Why SEL Belongs in Every Classroom

Teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) isn’t a bonus anymore—it’s a must. You might be thinking, “I don’t have time for this.” Trust me, I hear you. But here’s the good news: SEL doesn’t require fancy programs or extra hours. Sometimes, all you need… is chocolate chips.

Meet Anton: A Boy with a Heart of Gold

Let me introduce you to Anton, a fifth-grade student I will never forget.

He came from an unstable home. During fourth grade, he was terrified to come to school because of COVID. He was far below grade level and academically struggling. But Anton had something powerful—heart. He showed up some days exhausted from sleeping on the floor, but still eager to learn.

When faced with problems like 564 divided by 6, he’d try—really try—but the numbers just wouldn’t click. While learning was hard for Anton, loving others and solving problems weren’t.

We built our relationship on one promise: if he gave me everything he had, I would never let him down. He had been let down before—many times—but I modeled consistency, vulnerability, and strength. I shared my own childhood struggles. I filled our classroom with picture books featuring boys just like him. I wanted Anton to know: You are not alone.

So, where do Chocolate Chips come in?

Think about baking cookies. The base ingredients butter, flour, sugar, vanilla represent your core curriculum and academic standards. Now imagine dropping in those chocolate chips. That’s SEL. Those rich, sweet moments don’t replace the cookie they make it better.

SEL transforms the good into unforgettable.

One Lesson, Two Standards

Just last week, I read I Don’t Want Curly Hair to my class. The focus? Main idea, a fifth-grade reading standard. But as I guided the discussion using prompts from my SEL Picture Book Guide, something beautiful happened: students began opening up, showing empathy, and connecting with one another.

I hit two targets with one lesson: SEL and Main Idea.
#YesPlease

SEL Happens in the In-Between Moments

It’s not always planned. In fact, I believe the most powerful SEL moments come during spontaneous conversations. Let me share one that still makes my heart soar.

Three years ago, I taught a student who was incredibly bright—but also deeply emotional. In September, a hard day meant full-on tantrums, torn-up papers, and yelling that he didn’t care for me. As a natural people pleaser, it broke me.

But time, consistency, and SEL changed everything. By May, that same student handed me this letter:

Dear Miss Hinshaw,
You have taught me so much this year about dealing with my emotions. I do not like to get problems wrong because it makes me feel stupid. You have shown me that it is ok to make mistakes and that I am learning when I make a mistake. You have shown me how to take a deep breath before I cry. I want to thank you. You will always be my favorite teacher.
From,
(student)

The Heart of Teaching

Both of these stories remind me of what really matters. Teaching SEL in the classroom is one of the best decisions I make for my students—every single day.

If you want to reach your students’ minds, start with their hearts.

And don’t forget the chocolate chips.

Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

The post Why Teaching SEL in the Classroom Matters appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Books to Get Your Students Talking, Thinking, and Laughing

📖 Attack of the Scones by Josh Funk – A mystery unfolds at the Queen’s Tea Party as Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast must solve the case of the missing scones!

📖 There’s a Frog in My Throat by Pat Street – This hilarious collection of animal idioms will have your students giggling while expanding their figurative language knowledge.

📖 Pies from Nowhere by Dee Romito – A powerful true story about Georgia Gilmore, a woman who used her cooking skills to help fund the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

📖 Tricky Chopsticks by Sylvia Chen and Fanny Liem – A heartwarming story about perseverance and embracing family traditions, even when they feel challenging.

📖 Tell the Truth, B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra and J. Otto Seibold – A funny take on the Big Bad Wolf as he tries to clear his name in a storytelling session gone wrong.

☀️ Heat Wave by Helen Ketteman and Scott Goto – A tall tale set during a sweltering summer that will have students roaring with laughter.

🤝 Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival – A touching story about a girl who struggles with making friends but learns to connect in her own unique way.

🌟 The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and George Ford – The inspiring true story of Ruby Bridges, who bravely integrated an all-white school at just six years old.

🦊 Valentine Foxes by Clyde Watson – A charming tale of teamwork and love as the fox family prepares for a special Valentine’s Day surprise.

🍫 Love Monster and the Last Chocolate by Rachel Bright – A sweet and funny story about sharing and the power of kindness.

Books That Make History and STEM Fun!

🛁 President Taft is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett and Chris Van Dusen – A comical retelling of a presidential predicament that will have students laughing and learning.

🎡 Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis and Gilbert Ford – The incredible true story of how the Ferris Wheel became the centerpiece of the 1893 World’s Fair.

🌵 Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich – A funny and sweet story about an isolated cactus learning the importance of friendship.

💧 We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom – A stunning and lyrical book about protecting our planet’s water sources, inspired by Indigenous activism.

💳 A Credit Card Takes Charge by Kimberley Wilson and Mark Hoffmann – A clever introduction to financial literacy through the adventures of a credit card learning its worth.

Books That Spark Creativity and Fun

🌈 In-Between Things by Priscilla Tey – A whimsical exploration of the spaces between things, making for a great discussion on perspective and imagination.

🍲 Chowder Rules! by Anna Crowley Redding and Vita Lane – A delightful battle of food traditions as a Maine chef fights for the right to use tomatoes in chowder.

🐷 Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf by Davide Cali and Marianna Balducci – A math-infused, storytelling twist on the classic Three Little Pigs.

🥤 Straw by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Scott Magoon – A clever story about slowing down and enjoying life, even if you’re just a straw!

🏀 Hoop Genius by John Coy and Joe Morse – The fascinating story of how James Naismith invented basketball, perfect for sports fans and history buffs alike.

These books bring something special to every classroom—whether you’re sparking discussions, introducing new concepts, or just looking for a read-aloud that brings joy.

Have you read any of these in your classroom? I’d love to hear which ones your students love the most—drop a comment and let’s chat all things picture books!

Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

The post What We Read In February appeared first on Ramona Recommends.