The Smart Cookie is a self-esteem book for kids that empowers students and helps build their self-esteem. With the simple message of confidence, this book is a great addition to your classroom lessons.

Nurturing a child’s self-esteem is as crucial as teaching them the grade-level standards. As teachers, it’s important to recognize the importance of self-esteem and how it shapes a student’s behaviors in and out of the classroom. Self-esteem is the cornerstone in nurturing students, fostering their confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence.

With their relatable and engaging stories, social-emotional books are often seen as helpful when teachers try to determine how to teach these topics. One helpful self-esteem book is The Smart Cookie by Jory John, a story that interests young minds and weaves important lessons about the importance of self-worth and embracing one’s uniqueness.

Children’s picture books play an important role in shaping a child’s perception of themselves and the world around them. These stories often become mirrors that help students reflect on different experiences and may even open up new perspectives to them.

Since picture books often help share a message of self-esteem, friendship, self-regulation, etc., through relatable characters and engaging narratives, picture books provide a safe space for children to explore emotions and challenges and, importantly, develop social-emotional skills.

The Smart Cookie by Jory John is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the many forms of intelligence and individuality. This engaging picture book shares the story of a cookie who learns to appreciate its own unique talents in a world that often highlights being smart.

With its humorous and touching narrative, this book is a great resource for teaching children the value of self-acceptance and recognizing their special abilities.

The Smart Cookie is an important self-esteem book for kids that teachers can use when trying to teach the theme of self-esteem in a relatable and engaging manner. By discussing the cookie’s journey, teachers can show students that intelligence comes in various forms – from creativity to problem-solving skills.

The book teaches kids that there are many ways to be “smart” and encourages them to feel confident when trying new things. Through discussions and activities inspired by the book, teachers can create an inclusive learning environment that celebrates the uniqueness of each student.

The Smart Cookie is a great addition to your classroom library and an amazing resource for self-esteem book activities. Like other self-esteem picture books, you can use this book to create engaging lesson plans.

Before jumping right into The Smart Cookie, it’s important to let students know a discussion will happen before, during, and after the book. This shows students they are able to ask questions, comment, and relate to the book when they can.

Before reading, ask kids what it means to be “smart.” Jot down the words they share on the anchor chart. After you read, ask kids what they think being “smart” means now. Jot down the words they share in a different color. Point out if their thoughts changed and why it’s important to recognize there are many ways to be “smart.” 

Use book chat cards to help encourage discussions before, during, and after the book. These chats can often lead to deeper discussions. The discussions that come from these books are excellent!

Create an anchor chart called “SMART.” Brainstorm examples around the word SMART on the anchor chart before and after reading the story. Discuss with students how their ideas changed after reading the self-esteem book.

Now, Use the ideas from the book and the anchor chart to create an acronym for the word SMART. After students have come up with a new definition, create a poster together.

For example:

S – Stand up for myself and share my ideas.

M – Manage tasks and try new things.

A – Ask questions when we don’t know the answer.

R – Realize that learning takes time and effort.

T – Taking risks and making mistakes helps us learn.

Finally, after the anchor chart and acronym activities, discuss what it means to be smart, complete a writing prompt, “I am a SMART cookie,” or write a recipe for a Smart Cookie using the acronym or their own ideas.

After reading and completing the activities above, extending the lesson is simple with interactive activities. Many activities can enhance this self-esteem picture book and make learning even more fun for students.

Kids can create their smart cookies by coloring the pieces or printing them on colored paper and putting them together as a craft activity. Finally, students can doodle or write words around the cookie of things they like to do or things they are good at.

Sadly, these cookies can not be eaten. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t still useful. Each cookie has a positive task written on it that helps build self-esteem. Create a self-esteem cookie jar with these confident cookies. Pull out a cookie and read it aloud when a specific student, group of students, or even an entire class needs a little confidence boost.

Writing is a great way to help students internalize the idea of self-esteem and confidence. Encourage students to reflect on what they can do or when it’s time to take a chance and try something new. Teachers can use the writing prompt “Today, I was a smart cookie when…”

It’s important to praise children for their efforts in and out of the classroom and when they are being their authentic selves. Recognize students with a “smart cookie certificate” to show them you notice their hard work. Pick the one that fits your style best and don’t forget to include what they did!

Integrating a variety of books into lessons on self-esteem is invaluable because each day can present a unique aspect of it. For this reason, I’ve developed additional book companions to accompany some of my favorite books on confidence and self-esteem.

Perfectly Norman is a heartwarming children’s book that follows the story of Norman, a boy who sprouts wings, making him stand out from his peers. Through beautiful illustrations and a touching story, the book encourages young readers to embrace their uniqueness and the extraordinary aspects that make them perfectly themselves.

In Thelma the Unicorn, written by Aaron Blabey, readers follow the journey of a horse named Thelma who dreams of becoming a unicorn. After a twist of fate involving a carrot and a truck full of pink paint, Thelma gets her wish, but she soon discovers that being a unicorn comes with its own challenges and unexpected joys.

Be You! is an empowering children’s book by Peter H. Reynolds that encourages young readers to embrace their uniqueness and individuality. Through vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, the book celebrates the importance of self-expression, self-acceptance, and the beauty of being true to oneself.

In Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, readers accompany Molly Lou Melon, a unique and spirited girl who faces challenges. Molly’s unwavering self-assurance and positive outlook inspire young readers to embrace their quirks and stand tall in the face of adversity.

The Smart Cookie Book Companion is a great resource that will not only help students understand the idea of self-esteem but also help them become more confident in themselves.

There are many other great Self-Esteem Book Companions besides The Smart Cookie. Each book companion helps students with confidence and self-esteem in a special way.

Students participate in classroom discussions and book chat discussions and share their confidence through writing pieces and engaging activities.

If you like the book companion resource, you will love the SEL Book Companion Bundle. It includes over 40 books focusing on growth mindset, kindness, feelings, and MORE!

Try the FREE Confidence Cards by Proud to be Primary. Students will love hearing or reading confidence-boosting questions or remarks from their teachers and peers! These cards make a great addition to your book lessons, morning meeting activities, and more.

Click the image below to grab a copy.

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Self-Esteem Book Activities

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