I always think the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is with a little extra book love! It is a great time of year to share more stories and poetry about families, friendship, what love looks like, and what love means.
What love and friendship look like is beautifully expressed in Vera Ahiyya’s latest book in her “Getting Ready” series, Getting Ready for Valentine’s Day. Vera, a veteran kindergarten and first grade teacher beloved as The Tutu Teacher on social media (@thetututeacher), champions using diverse children’s books to help young students appreciate others’ strengths, understand different perspectives, and build empathy.
Vera is also the author of Rebellious Read Alouds , a professional development book for educators. In addition to her “Getting Ready” series, she also authored of the award-winning “KINDergarten” series and You Have a Voice .
When sharing her love for inclusive children’s books, Vera’s voice is passionate about why it is important to pay close attention to representation in books. We’re so delighted to have Vera stop by Book Life to get us thinking more about the far-reaching impacts of diverse books on children’s social and emotional development.
Cultivating Kindness, Love, and Literacy in Young Readers by Vera Ahiyya, The Tutu Teacher
Social-emotional learning (SEL) and literacy development are deeply intertwined, creating a foundation for success both inside and outside the classroom. As parents and educators work together to support children’s growth, it’s essential to understand how SEL enhances literacy skills and how reading nurtures SEL competencies. For soon-to-be readers, both in classrooms and at home, SEL and literacy work together to foster empathy, communication, and kindness — key skills for developing readers and thoughtful community members.
(Photo of Vera Ahiyya by Kristin Ellis)
Social-emotional learning provides children with tools to understand emotions, build relationships, and make decisions. Literacy development strengthens communication and comprehension, offering ways to express those emotions and ideas. For example, as children engage in stories, they practice stepping into the shoes of characters, building empathy and perspective-taking skills. Likewise, expressing their own thoughts through speaking and writing fosters confidence and self-awareness.
In classrooms of soon-to-be readers, SEL and literacy come to life during activities like read-alouds. Reading aloud isn’t just about listening or decoding words; it’s an opportunity for students to think, react, and respond. When given space to pause and discuss, children develop speaking and listening skills while connecting their feelings to the characters’ experiences. This isn’t a process to rush; students need time to lead responses, growing their confidence in both SEL and literacy.
Books like KINDergarten and the “Getting Ready ” series, highlight diverse characters and relatable stories that spark meaningful conversations. I wrote these stories to showcase inclusion and kindness, inviting children to create their own welcoming communities. Teachers can use these stories to discuss real-life applications of empathy — such as inviting a new friend to play or understanding someone else’s perspective.
Inclusion is a cornerstone of SEL and literacy development. When children see themselves represented in stories and hear diverse voices, they feel valued. Additionally, these experiences encourage them to consider others’ experiences, broadening their understanding of the world. Teachers can invite families to share cultural stories, fostering a shared love for reading while celebrating diversity.
Families play a critical role in supporting SEL and literacy. As a child’s first teacher, parents have unique insights into their child’s dreams, challenges, and interests. These insights can guide the books and activities they choose to foster literacy skills and SEL growth. For example, reading KINDergarten together and discussing how the characters show kindness can help children connect the lessons in the stories to their own lives.
Parents can also encourage empathy and communication during everyday activities. Cooking together, for instance, offers opportunities to practice listening, following directions, and expressing thoughts. Pretend play or storytelling can spark creativity and build perspective-taking skills as children imagine and explore different scenarios.
(Page spread from Getting Ready for Valentine’s Day)
Families can also advocate for diversity and inclusion in their child’s education. Ask about the school’s policies on anti-racism and anti-bias practices, and ensure the curriculum reflects these values. If you notice gaps, speak up and offer suggestions. Collaboration between schools and families creates an inclusive environment that benefits all learners.
Kindness and inclusion are essential to the development of lifelong learners. When children feel safe and valued, they are more likely to take risks, ask questions, and engage fully in their learning. Books that reflect diverse experiences and promote kindness help children see the impact of their actions and inspire them to contribute to the betterment of their communities.
By weaving SEL into literacy activities, parents and educators give children tools that extend far beyond the classroom. Empathy, communication, and kindness are not just skills for becoming strong readers — they are essential for building meaningful relationships and navigating the world with care. Whether it’s through a thoughtful read-aloud, a family storytelling session, or a discussion about inclusion, these moments create lasting impact. Together, we can nurture readers who are both literate and compassionate citizens.
Resources
• Vera Ahiyya website
• Follow Vera Ahiyya on Instagram @thetututeacher and @diversereads
• Reading Rockets: Social Emotional Learning
• How to Support Your Child’s Social-Emotional Health: 8 Tips for Families