Don’t Rush The River Slow down, breathe deep, and notice the world you're rushing past. Being overwhelmed is a part of life, but there are ways to manage those feelings. That’s what Rabbit learns from Fish, who helps her to understand that, by slowing down and being aware of her surroundings, she can learn to be mindful and calm. When she recognizes her emotions and uses grounding strategies, Rabbit is able to move through her responsibilities with greater balance, presence, and emotional control— supporting her own self-management. Don’t Rush The River, along with the four other stories in SEL Collection 1, uses the timeless power of the fable to provide a framework for exploring feelings through listening, observing, guided discussions, and self-expression. All stories highlight all five core SEL competencies, helping children to discover how to navigate the world and grow with and in support of others. Charming animal characters invite children into the stories, letting reflection and learning flow naturally. The Instructional Practice Literature-Based Discovery: Through Rabbit and Fish’s conversation, children observe how we can manage feelings of stress and anxiety by staying mindful and present. Social-Emotional Connection: By sharing personal experiences in which they felt overwhelmed and how they managed it, children learn strategies to manage stress while exploring how their own feelings connect to those of the characters. Vocabulary Integration: Using Key Idea Words, children develop emotional literacy by finding, acting out, and writing about words that give shape and meaning to their inner lives. Active Inquiry: Guided discussion, collaborative storytelling, and creative activities inspire children to learn from one another as they discover that they can manage their feelings of stress and anxiety.
