One very useful component of the Open Circle Curriculum is our list of recommended children's books that relate to the Open Circle approach and skills. Educators, parents, and librarians can share and discuss this literature with children, providing an opportunity for children to connect with story characters who have problems and challenges similar to their own. Use these links to view our selections by topic:

Getting To Know One Another

Establishing Classroom Rules

Learning About What We Have In Common

Recognizing Nonverbal Signals and Body Language

Including One Another

Cooperating

Recognizing Dangerous and Destructive Behaviors or Annoying Behavior

Dealing with Teasing and Bullying

Recognizing Differences and Discrimination

Speaking Up and Listening

Understanding Feelings

Calming Down and Expressing Anger Appropriately

Solving People Problems

Exercising Leadership

Practicing Self-talk

This list is intended to be a starting point for your own Open Circle literature collection. Teachers, librarians, parents and caregivers can modify the collection to fit the needs and interests of their children. If you would like to locate additional books that connect to the themes of Open Circle lessons, you can find them in the thematic indices of these children’s literature resource books and websites.

This list of books was researched and compiled by Open Circle Trainer and Consultant Peg Sawyer. The task was accomplished with the assistance of many school librarians and teachers who were very generous with their time.