Homeschool Friday - Voices Are Not for Yelling

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review/review for each.

Voices Are Not for Yelling

By: Elizabeth Verdick

Illustrated By: Marieka Heinlen

Publication: March 24, 2015 by Free Spirit Publishing

40 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Manners, Parenting

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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Description--As parents and teachers know, yelling comes naturally to children. This friendly, encouraging book, geared to preschool and primary children, introduces and reinforces where and when to use an “indoor voice” or an “outdoor voice.” In classic Best Behavior style the author tells young readers, “Your voice is a powerful tool. How you use it is up to you.” Vivid illustrations show the times and places for an indoor voice, the ways people ask us to quiet our voices, and times when yelling might occur. “What happens if you’re mad or frustrated or really, really excited? Your voice gets louder and LOUDER.” But yelling hurts people’s ears and feelings. Children learn that they can quiet their voice and use their words to talk about a problem. “Think before you yell, and use your words well!” Includes a special section for parents and caregivers with activities and discussion starters.

The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two a durable board book for ages baby–preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages 4–7. Kids, parents, and teach(more...)

Voices Are Not for Yelling starts off contrasting an inside voice which is quiet with an outside voice, which is loud. It offers up some reasons why one might want to use their outside voice while inside, such as excitement, anger, and when you really want to be heard. Then it tells us that voices aren't for yelling and the reasons why: 1) yelling hurts our ears and 2) yelling hurts our feelings. It tells the child that using your inside voice helps people to hear your words and not your yelling. Then the book goes through a series of steps to help you calm your voice: breathing slowly and deeply until your body calms down. Then it's time to use your words to state what you need or want. The adult in the book thanks the child for using their words and reassures the child that she's there to listen. The book then offers some good things we can use our voices for: laughing, talking, helping, and saying "I love you." The book ends with some additional tips and information for parents.

Yelling is a natural response to anger, excitement, and a desire to be heard, as the book mentions. All kids can easily find themselves yelling. We have at least one child in our house who struggles with emotional regulation and reacts with yelling when things become overwhelming to them. Books like this are great options to bring in information to the child in a way that doesn't feel like an attack on them or their character. But don't think if you have a child who struggles with regulating emotions, simply reading a book to them about not yelling is going to solve your problem. It's a tool to be used, not a solution.

Voices Are Not for Yelling is a great book, especially for younger kids. Any child who might struggle with yelling could benefit from this book as the way the book is laid out focuses on the benefits of not yelling and using one's voice properly. But this isn't a solution if you have a problem with yelling in your house. Voices Are Not for Yelling gets 4 Stars. Have you or your child read Voices Are Not for Yelling? What did you think? Let me know!