In Our School, We Are Not Cruel

In Our School, We Are Not Cruel

Community means keeping each other safe. 

When we notice our emotions, manage our fear, and act with kindness, we can build a safe and caring community. At the beginning of the story, Rabbit feels scared of her classmates. But together, they learn that self-regulation, shared understanding, and kindness can transform anxiety and fear into trust and connection. A safe, respectful, and supportive community is possible when everyone cares for one another, works together, and practices social awareness. 

In Our School, We Are Not Cruel, along with the four other stories in SEL Collection 1, uses the timeless power of the fable to provide a framework for exploring feelings through listening, observing, guided discussions, and self-expression. All stories highlight all five core SEL competencies, helping children to discover how to navigate the world and grow with and in support of others. Charming animal characters invite children into the stories, letting reflection and learning flow naturally. 

For a richer, more in-depth learning experience at home or in the classroom, the In Our School, We Are Not Cruel Instructional Package gives educators and families everything they need to turn the story experience into a transformative conversation.

What Makes Our Books Unique? 

1. Immersive Story Experience: A beautifully illustrated and narrated story, with highlighted text for improved reading comprehension, introduces children to the story, characters, and social-emotional lessons that the characters face. 
2. Literature-Based Discovery: By seeing how Mrs. Racoon manages her class and helps her students understand each other, children observe how consideration for one another creates a classroom where everyone feels safe and included. 
3. Social-Emotional Connection: By sharing personal experiences about feeling included or excluded, children build a sense of empathy and belonging while exploring how their own feelings connect to those of the characters.