Words Are Not for Hurting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series) [Paperback]

Elizabeth Verdick (Author), Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Best Behavior Series

The older children get, the more words they know and can use—including hurtful words. While Free Spirit's Words Are Not for Hurting Board Book is written for children ages 0–3, this expanded softcover version is for ages 4–7, a time of growing vocabularies and increasing awareness of how much words matter.

Children learn that their words belong to them: They can think before they speak, then choose what to say and how to say it. The book makes the connection between hurtful words and feelings of anger, sadness, and regret. It introduces positive ways for children to respond when others say mean or unkind words to them. And it reinforces the importance of saying “I’m sorry,” two little words that can be a big help. Includes activities and discussion starters that parents, caregivers, and educators can use when working with children.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–This cheerful, instructive title highlights the power of words. The focus is on children taking personal responsibility for what they say, as well as thinking before speaking. Communication skills that promote friendship and other key social skills are encouraged. Bright, colorful illustrations convey the messages well via body language and facial expression. Examples expose the negative impact caused by the use of hurtful words and the effective use of the simple, powerful phrase, "I'm sorry." Also included are steps for adults and children to take to get help with a serious problem, such as abuse. This title is similar in scope to Lauren Murphy Payne and Claudia Rohling's We Can Get Along (Free Spirit, 1997), but encompasses a broader range of relationships, along with activity and discussion suggestions for involved adults.–Sharon A. Neal, Immaculata University, PA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS. Before addressing the topic of the power of language, Verdick helps preschoolers focus on the fun of it, with words that are super short, really long, or just plain silly. She reminds young children that their words belong to them; they choose what to say and how to say it. She uses examples to help preschoolers understand how words can be helpful ("Let's work together") or hurtful ("You're stupid"), and she explores the feelings that result after hearing unkind words. She also explains how to take back hateful words by saying "I'm sorry," and what children can do when they hear something cruel being said. The brightly colored drawings, which bring the minimal text to life, are especially effective at showing the range of emotions children experience when they hear unkind language. An excellent resource for sharing at home and at preschools, this title closes with activities and discussion starters for adults to use with young children. Karen Hutt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing; Ages 4-7, Paperback edition (April 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575421569
• ISBN-13: 978-1575421568
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Education & Reference > Etiquette > Conversation
  • #36 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Manners

More About the Author

Elizabeth is best known for her board books for toddlers, including the award-winning "Best Behavior" series ("Teeth Are Not for Biting," "Words Are Not for Hurting," etc.) and her brand-new series "Toddler Tools" ("Listening Time," "Naptime," "Calm-Down Time," and so on). She is a coauthor in the "Laugh and Learn" series for older children, which includes "Dude, That's Rude" and "See You Later, Procrastinator."

Books in all of these series have received numerous awards, including the Henry Bergh Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book, Gold Mom's Choice Award, and iParenting Media Award Excellent Product.

She lives with her husband, daughter, son, and five pets: a dog (Sunny), two cats (Cleo and Tom), and two guinea pigs (Tucker and Otis).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Designed especially for children ages 4 to 7, November 6, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words Are Not for Hurting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series) (Paperback)

Written by parenting columnist Elizabeth Verdick with an age-appropriate vocabulary, and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, Words Are Not For Hurting was designed especially for children ages 4 to 7, a time of growing vocabularies and increasing social interaction with peers and others. The simple, positive message is think before speaking, and choosing not only what to say but how to say it. Young readers will also learn of the power in saying "I'm sorry" when the speak words that hurt the feelings of others. Enhanced with a special section at the end that includes activities and discussion starters, Words Are Not For Hurting is confidently recommended for home, school, and childcare center early childhood library resources and character education reading lists.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words Are Weapons, August 3, 2006

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Words Are Not for Hurting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book using age appropriate language to send out the message of just how hurtful and harmful words can be. We all know the doggerel bravado verse of sticks and stones is just a crock. I never bought it because words are infinitely more painful than any stick or stone. I think that deceptive verse should be changed to:

Sticks and stones may break my bones,
But words hurt so much more.

Words have the power to hurt or build esteem; to reinforce one's self image and to cause one to feel they are liked or disliked. I think this is an excellent book with a message that cannot be stressed enough. The activities and teaching how to give sincere apologies as opposed to those to appease the adult in question with the idea of deflecting further punishment is also an invaluable lesson. I also like the way the message of harmful words are not limited to peers. It is a good wake up call to how adults in general talk to children and to one another. This book deserves a place of honor!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed., November 6, 2006

By 

Shakti (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words Are Not for Hurting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series) (Paperback)

My son is three and a half and goes to daycare. He's exactly at the age where he's picking up a lot vocabulary (not all desirable) from school and friends which he's using to express his anger or frustration. I thought it was a good book to help him understand the power of words and how he can use positive words instead of negative ones...even to express his negative emotions. It's slow going but the book helped me with ideas and with words to coach him.