Reading to a child gives us a perfect opportunity to start conversations. You may choose a book such as Mr. Worry: A story about OCD or I Can’t Stop: A story about Tourette Syndrome that deal with a specific topic, but most picture books can be used to start conversations.
In No More Noisy Nights, Jackson has moved into a new home. After a day of unpacking he’s ready to sleep, but it turns out he’s sharing his home with some creatures that are noisy at night. Jackson has to use his best problem solving skills to quiet the creatures so he can get a good nights sleep. We can use this picture book to talk with children about:
Fears
- Talk about Jackson. Was he afraid? Why or why not?
- Ask questions such as: Have you ever heard scary sounds? What did you do? Are there are things that scare you?
- Share fears you had as a child or now.
Problem solving
- Talk about the way Jackson solved his problems. What else could he have done?
- Talk about solutions for the fears they shared
Moving
- Moving can be hard, but we bring things with us that help our new house feel like home. What things did Jackson bring? What things would you bring?
- Make a list of the good and bad things about moving.
Making friends
- The creatures in Jackson’s house were noisy. How did he treat them?
- How do you like to be treated?
- How did Jackson make new friends?
Making Magic with Words 