Books with author Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed.

What’s the best way to solve problems between people? By talking them over and working them out. It’s never too soon for children to learn the process of peaceful conflict resolution. This book distills it into clear, simple language and supporting illustrations. Children learn to calm themselves, state the problem, listen, think of solutions, try one, evaluate results, and even agree to disagree when a solution isn’t possible. Includes conflict resolution skillbuilding games and role plays for adults to use with children. Now children and adults can enjoy our most popular Learning to Get Along® books in English and Spanish. The Free Spirit Learning to Get Along series helps children learn, understand, and practice basic social and emotional skills. Real-life situations, lots of diversity, and concrete examples make these read-aloud books appropriate for all homes, childcare settings, and primary classrooms as well as special education, including settings with children on the autism spectrum. Presented in a social story format, each of the bilingual Learning to Get Along books includes a special section for adults in both English and Spanish, with discussion questions, games, activities, and tips that reinforce improving social skills.

Knowing how to listen is essential to learning, growing, and getting along with others. Simple words and inviting illustrations help children develop skills for listening, understand why it’s important to listen, and recognize the positive results of listening. Includes a note to teachers and parents, additional information for adults, and activities.

Children today have many fears, both real and imagined. Encouraging words and supportive illustrations guide children to face their fears and know where to turn for help. Little ones also learn simple ways to help themselves. Includes a special section for adults, with ideas for supporting children when they feel afraid and a list of additional resources.

Even very young children can help to make the world a better place. This book begins with the concept of gratitude, because feeling grateful is a powerful motivator. Words and pictures show children contributing to their community in simple yet meaningful ways. Includes discussion questions, a philanthropy role-play, generosity games, and ideas for service projects.

A child who can’t follow rules is a child who’s always in trouble. This book starts with simple reasons why we have rules: to help us stay safe, learn, be fair, and get along. Then it presents just four basic rules: “Listen,” “Best Work,” “Hands and Body to Myself,” and “Please and Thank You.” The focus throughout is on the positive sense of pride that comes with learning to follow rules. Includes questions and activities adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills being taught.

Empathy is key to positive, healthy relationships. This book builds empathy in children. In clear, child-friendly words and illustrations, it helps them to understand that other people have feelings like theirs—and different from theirs. It guides children to show they care by listening to others and respecting their feelings. Includes questions to discuss and empathy games to play.

A little girl works through strong feelings and learns how to calm down. “Sometimes things seem hard, and my feelings are really big.” Strong emotions can be overwhelming for young children, and at times they need help identifying and coping with what they’re feeling. “I want to feel peaceful. I won’t hit or hurt.” Gentle and encouraging, this board book helps toddlers work through strong feelings like anger and worry. Children learn to use deep breaths, mental images, and other simple strategies to calm themselves. With straightforward words and warm illustrations, I Calm Down helps children understand that feelings change and that their own actions can make a difference in how they feel. When their feelings are too big to manage, children can ask for help and comfort from a trusted adult. A section for adults offers tips on talking about the book together, along with activities for helping children learn to calm themselves. Access to a digital download with ideas for helping toddlers feel calm is also provided.Learning About Me & You Series Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

What’s the best way to solve problems between people? By talking them over and working them out. It’s never too soon for children to learn the process of peaceful conflict resolution. This book distills it into clear, simple language and supporting illustrations. Children learn to calm themselves, state the problem, listen, think of solutions, try one, evaluate results, and even agree to disagree when a solution isn’t possible. Includes skill-building games and role plays for adults to use with children.

Children today have many fears, both real and imagined. Encouraging words and supportive illustrations guide children to face their fears and know where to turn for help. Little ones also learn simple ways to help themselves. Includes a special section for adults, with ideas for supporting children when they feel afraid and a list of additional resources.

A little boy notices helpers and shares ways he is a helper too. “I know lots of people who help me.” Even very young children often respond naturally to the needs of others and want to give comfort and help. As they see family, teachers, and community members helping them, they may want to do helpful things as well. “I’m a helper too. I want to show that I care.” Positive and friendly, this board book encourages toddlers to notice the ways others help them and recognize some of the many ways they can help others. From simple gestures like offering the baby a pacifier or giving comfort to a friend, to bigger tasks that involve working with others to wash the dog, pick up toys, or plant a seedling, children see that they can make an important contribution. “’I’m big enough now to help in a big way.” As children become more aware of the feelings, needs, and wants of others, they can learn simple and ordinary responses that show empathy and caring to those around them. A section for adults offers tips on talking about the book together, along with activities for encouraging children to help others. Access to a digital download with ideas for opportunities for toddlers to help in their community is also provided.Learning About Me & You Series Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

A little girl finds she has plenty to share. “I have some special things that belong just to me. I want to get along. What can I do?” So begins this charming book that guides young children to see that sharing is their choice, why they might choose to share, and how sharing can be good for everyone. A little girl thinks about the way her family, her friends, and other children share with her—and how happy she feels when this happens. “I might think, ‘That’s how I want to be!’ I want to show that I care. So I may choose to say ‘Yes!’” Colorful scenes in a variety of settings help little ones see that everyone has “plenty to share.”Learning About Me & You Series Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in, too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

Early listening skills lead to understanding and belonging. “I hear things all around me. Talking is a special sound I hear.” Listening is a critical communication skill that builds a child’s attention span and leads to understanding. This simple but powerful board book helps toddlers see why listening is important, understand what it means to be a good listener, and recognize how listening benefits everyone. At home and at school, a little girl discovers wonderful sounds, kind words, new things to learn, and a sense of belonging. “When I really listen, I feel like I matter to someone. I show people they’re important to me.” Includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers and downloadable bonus activities.Learning About Me & You Series Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers and downloadable bonus activities.