Speak Up and Get Along!: Learn the Mighty Might, Thought Chop, and More Tools to Make Friends, Stop Teasing, and Feel Good About Yourself [Paperback]

Scott Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

What if every kid had a handy toolbox of ways to get along with others? That’s just what this book is: a collection of 21 concrete strategies kids can pull out and use to express themselves, build relationships, end arguments and fights, halt bullying, and beat unhappy feelings. Like the Mighty Might, which takes all the fun out of teasing. And the Thought Chop, which helps kids resist self-defeating thoughts. And the Squeaky Wheel, a type of persistence that gets results. And the Coin Toss, a simple way to resolve small conflicts. Each tool is clearly described, illustrated with true-to-life examples, and accompanied by dialogue and lines kids can practice and use. Stories and anecdotes show each tool in action. A terrific resource for any young person—and any adult committed to teaching social skills. Includes a note to adults.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A handy resource for all youth workers and educators.”—Youth Today

“Excellent communication book. . . . Do-able skills written in kid-friendly vernacular”—Youthworker

Read, America!, Selected

From the Publisher

Read, America! selection

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing (June 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575421828
• ISBN-13: 978-1575421827
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > School & Education
  • #38 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Self-Esteem & Self-Respect

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Important information for all kids, February 16, 2006

By 

California Reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Speak Up and Get Along!: Learn the Mighty Might, Thought Chop, and More Tools to Make Friends, Stop Teasing, and Feel Good About Yourself (Paperback)

I agree with Dr. Ross's editorial review that "everything about this book is perfect for children." Speak Up and Get Along is a great resource to help kids survive and succeed especially in their social worlds at school. It is clear and easy for them to read. The best thing about it is that there are a lot examples of how to actually deal with bullying and teasing, arguments, peer pressure and making and keeping friends. Each chapter has easy tools for kids to use and the illustrations help.The chapter on talking back to negative thoughts was really helpful. It gives very specific ways that kids can do this. I really recommend this as a gift for the children in your life.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Will it work?, January 3, 2007

By 

Mary E. Joy (Hesperia, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Speak Up and Get Along!: Learn the Mighty Might, Thought Chop, and More Tools to Make Friends, Stop Teasing, and Feel Good About Yourself (Paperback)

As we all know, dealing with peers is one of the most difficult - but essential - skills our children need to learn. In a search for material that could be used for teaching effective problem-solving, assertive communication and negotiation skills, I discovered this book and ordered a copy. I found some of the ideas a bit silly-sounding but figured it might work with young children, so I have developed small "plays" using the book's dialogues to set up the scenarios for my kids to enact. They love it! Now I am expanding this activity to include all students from 1st-6th grade with the hope that learning these skills will help reduce bullying and enhance their communication skills. My only criticism is that the material presented in the book is a bit disjointed and hard to read. I'm not sure what audience the author was writing to, but I felt it too childish to be taken seriously as an adult and too abstract to hold the attention of a child; however, the basic principles are sound and the imagery of the language does appeal to the child in all of us.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, a toolbox of ideas!, December 29, 2008

By 

San Diego mom "shan" (san diego, ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Speak Up and Get Along!: Learn the Mighty Might, Thought Chop, and More Tools to Make Friends, Stop Teasing, and Feel Good About Yourself (Paperback)

I'm impressed at the tools available in this book. It is very well-written and put together in an easy format. It has boosted my kids' (age 9) self confidence. I love how the author covers tone of voice and body language as well as verbal tools.

Great book!