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As the days grow shorter and the harvest season rolls through, it’s the perfect time to introduce your students to the joys of farms, harvest, and the social emotional lessons these settings offer. Picture books about farms and harvest can provide a fantastic gateway to exploring emotions, teamwork, gratitude, and more, all while teaching about the world of agriculture. So, grab a straw hat and join me as we dig into five delightful picture books about farms and harvest while nurturing essential social emotional skills.
1. “Big Red Barn” by Margaret Wise Brown
A total classic picture book about farms that takes readers on a charming journey through the daily life of animals on a farm. The rhythmic text and vivid illustrations create a soothing atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for teaching young children about mindfulness and the importance of taking moments to appreciate the world around them. This book also subtly reinforces the concept of routines and the comfort they can bring, which can be a nice tie in to executive functioning skills.
2. “Rainbow Stew” by Catherine Falwell
This darling book takes in harvest and farming from a familial perspective, as kids spend time helping their grandfather gather vegetables from his garden to create a “rainbow stew”. This is a great book to make connections, discuss relationships, and the process of working together.
3. “Tops and Bottoms” by Janet Stevens
“Tops and Bottoms” is a sweet folktale that introduces children to the concept of hard work and resourcefulness. This picture book about farms follows Hare and Bear as they negotiate with a lazy Bear for rights to farm a plot of land. The book provides a great opportunity to discuss fairness, cooperation, and problem-solving, as Hare cleverly outsmarts Bear with her innovative farming practices.
4. “The Scarecrow” by Beth Ferry
I love this beautifully illustrated book about a lonely scarecrow who longs for a friend. When a small, injured crow falls from the sky, the scarecrow takes care of him, and their friendship blooms. This touching story teaches children about empathy, kindness, and the importance of reaching out to others in need. It’s a great resource for discussions on friendship and compassion.
5. “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle
I am an absolute sucker for anything and everything Eric Carle. While not strictly a picture book about farms, “The Very Busy Spider” is a delightful book that can be tied into discussions about diligence and focus. The story follows a spider who is busy spinning her web despite various farm animals attempting to distract her. This book provides an opportunity to explore perseverance, determination, and the satisfaction of completing a task. It’s a perfect choice for introducing the idea of setting goals and staying committed.
As you read these picture books about farms and harvest with your students, encourage them to connect with the characters, animals, and themes presented. Use these stories as a springboard for discussions about emotions, the importance of hard work, cooperation, empathy, and the beauty of the natural world.
I teach in a highly populous area with the closest working farm being pretty far away. Teaching students about this common life style and reality in our country is so important! As we celebrate the farm and harvest, we also celebrate the growth of kind and resilient hearts.
Do you have any favorite farm or harvest-themed picture books that incorporate social-emotional learning? Share them in the comments below.
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