One
night while reading to my children, I realized that the picture book I was
reading was one of the best examples I had ever read about negotiation. It was
a book about cows, a duck, and a farmer who were negotiating a trade of milk
for blankets. There was a stand-off, compromises were made, there was
give-and-take, and eventually the cows and the farmer settled on a comfortable
resolution for both parties. After many years of studying communication at the
University level, I was astounded by this book’s ability to make the complexity
of negotiation come to life in such a vivid, illuminating, and simple way. This book is called "Click, Clack, Moo."
After such a powerful discovery, I decided
to search for other picture books that had a similar effect and I found many. I
realized that these picture books could help children (and adults!) learn how
to become better communicators in a very effective way. They were simple yet
complex, humble yet powerful.
I
have always believed that good communication can change the world. I also
believe that one conversation can change the course of your life, for good or
bad. So why not make it a good conversation?! Working with students to improve
communication skills is important and critical work. There are many skills that
go into successful communication. And there are so many wonderful picture books that can help us teach communication skills.
What are your favorites?
I LOVE Picture Books and collect them all the time. I tell my teenage sons they for my someday grandchildren, but they are really for ME! Shhh! Don't tell on me!!!! lol
ReplyDeleteSome of my very favorite books are picture books. Whenever I pick up one from my childhood, a flood of memories come into my mind and I can't help but smile. I remember when I was younger I used to want to be like the "hero" in my favorite story at that time.
ReplyDeleteA though that comes to my mind about the power of picture books is the power of bible stories. When I was little, I was shown bible stories in pop up books and little puzzle books. They helped me internalize some difficult concepts to grasp that some historians struggle with. These books have also helped instill life long morals and values. Aside from religious matter, picture books can have the same effect. I will never forget the importance of hard work as taught in "The Three Little Pigs."
ReplyDeleteMy oldest sister used to tell us that the monsters under the bed would only go away if she read us a story each night. It's funny because at the time it was so real to my brother and I, we wouldn't even get off of the bed and would scream and beg for her to come read us a story.
ReplyDeleteI love Click Clack Moo! When you started talking about "negotiation" before you even mentioned the book's name I thought of this book!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute book! I love it! I will definitely read to it my future children. :) Recently I have found myself thinking about how complicated and complex humans really are. But really, when it comes to certain principles, the best way to teach it is the simple, pure way. Simplicity can go a long way in such a crazy world.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how, we as adults, make communication more complicated. The simplicity of a child's mind, drawn up perfectly in this book. Click Clack Moo is a great reminder of how communication can be simple and direct. I Love children's books!
ReplyDeleteI have two younger cousins that i love to either tell stories to our to read stories. My favorite stories are once that teach a good principle in a fun/entertaining story. The two books my cousins ilke the most are "You are Special" and "Stephanie's Ponytail."
ReplyDelete