How can we emotionally support our kids in the classroom or at home?
I feel roles are similar for both parents and teachers in that our kiddos are going to learn best from imitation, from role modeling, from what they see their adult caretakers doing and reacting to in certain situations. So, we can first start with examining our own triggers and reactions. But also, opening conversations that can not only identify complex emotions but appropriate ways to work through them can help children turn abstract feelings into concrete concepts. This is where great books on social and emotional support come in handy, so kids can see and relate to stories in a real world way.
Would you like to tell us about the other books in this series?
Sure! I came up with the concepts and summaries for the first seven books in the Blooming Rose series right from the start. I knew I wanted this series to work in conjunction with one another to cover an array of emotional support situations, yet be able to stand alone as an engaging and useful story each on its own. Blooming Rose Finds Her Jam is up next, which speaks to the power of music to reflect our moods. And it’s followed by Blooming Rose Chills Out, which exemplifies breathing and movement techniques to help self regulate in sticky situations.
What does your writing process look like?
I think my writing process might be a little odd in the sense that I’m a planner, I like to develop things as a whole before I focus on each individual detail. So, after writing summaries for the first seven titles, I then went back to the first three I wanted to release, and wrote their rough draft manuscripts. I then hosted sip & proof parties where I had two groups of parents & educators critique the drafts and academic bundle materials. After hearing feedback from them and from a writing critique group I’m in, I made some more tweaks and submitted my file to the professional editing team at Mascot Books to add all the final touches.
What did you do before becoming an author?
I graduated from LSU with a degree in advertising, and worked for an agency in Baton Rouge for about seven years before relocating with my husband to Texas. Once in the lone star state, I wanted to switch gears and get certified to teach elementary, which is where my love and passion for children’s books and emotional learning bloomed.
What was your favorite kids’ book as a child?
I remember when I was old enough to read the Goosebumps series I felt so cool, although it scared the bejeebers out of me. But, before that, I remember loving the Bernstein Bears. Guess I’ve always been a sucker for a good series!
Thank you to Cherokee from Books With a Chance of Traveling for hosting this interview on her blog, original post found here.
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