Book Recommendation: Ricky the Rock that couldn't Roll

If you check my instagram page (@bilinguepsych) you may notice that I have a few book recommendations. This time, I figured, why not write a blog post on it?

Ricky the Rock that couldn't Roll by: Jay Miletsky

This book is great for children in elementary school. I have used it in K-5 grades for counseling and my Lunch Bunch groups. I use this book as a way to discuss growth mindset, kindness and perseverance.

This children’s book is about Ricky and his friends. Ricky's friends were all playing, having fun rolling down a hill. All of Ricky's friends were round, however, Ricky had one flat side that prevented him from rolling. Ricky’s friends wanted him to be part of the fun and they all brainstormed and worked together to find ways to make him round.

Counseling Ideas:

• Kindness rocks- have students paint rocks with kind words and positive affirmations. Have the students spread these rocks around the school for others to find and share the kindness.

• Rolling rocks- give your students rocks that are flat and have them make rolling rocks. Have them recreate the events of the story. Give them some materials and have your students work together to make rolling rocks.

• Have a discussion with older kid’s about how Growth Mindset impacted Ricky and his friends throughout the book. How did Ricky's mindset change and how will his positive mindset may impact others in the future.

Let me know some of your favorite counseling book!