Tips for using How to Be with children:
At the end of the story, help children relate the positive traits to the animals they read about: "Yes, curious like the monkey." Act out the various behaviors during re-readings. Extend this story by thinking about other animals. What actions would they do? Plan a trip to a local zoo or a pet shop. Take photos during the trip, and involve children in creating a memory album by labeling the pictures. Children will be able to retell the story of their field trip by using the pictures as a guide.
Tips for using How to Be with families:
Children learn about social interactions through interactions with others and also through dramatic play. This book is a nice introduction to talking with children about feelings. Parents and children can look at pictures of children showing different feelings. Together, families can talk about the feelings, and what could be the reason the child is feeling this way? Allowing children time to pretend play at home and at school gives them an opportunity to express emotions, too.