Social and emotional learning

Below we have listed some of the specific learning outcomes in the book:

The goal of this story is to introduce young children to the principles which contribute to a successful and fulfilling life. These principles are tried and tested and taught to adults by life skills Guru’s around the world.

At HumanBean we feel that if young children can start to understand these principles and behaviors at an early age, then they are more likely to adopt them as they grow up. With strong foundations, they will be better able to succeed in an increasingly challenging world.

Learning to be Leaders:

Across this book and the books which follow, the young reader will witness the beneficial outcomes of positive action and empathy towards the world around them.

Leaders today are all around us. They are the people who do not need permission or a job title to take positive action. They are the contributors, the creators, the people who put more into the world than they take out. Many are wildly successful, while some have chosen a more modest path, but one thing is for sure - we need more of them!

The following key principles are included in The Star Dragon.

Key Principle 1: Doing the Right Thing:

This book is written in the first person, so you (the reader) becomes the hero of the story. In chapter 1 you encounter an old lady in need of help. Your response isn’t just an act of kindness, it shows that you can empathise with the predicament of another person. It also shows that you can put your own needs aside and take action even when there is no immediate benefit to yourself.

This theme is developed in chapter 4 - when you fix the mailbox you show you can do the right thing even when no-one is looking.

Key Principle 2: Teamwork:

Chapter 6 shows the benefit of Teamwork. When we work together we can usually get the job done quicker and more effectively. It can also be more fun! Try some of the games Leo plays in this story with your kids - chores can be fun if you change the mood.

Key Principle 3: Self-development:

When you’re sitting on a plane listening to the safety briefing, you’ll be told that in an emergency you should fit your own oxygen mask first, before helping those around you - if you’re gasping for breath you’re not going to be much use to those around you!

This principle applies well to life; If you strengthen and develop yourself you’ll be in a great position to help others. In chapter 7 you not only give yourself the best chance of a good grade in your maths test, but you are then able to help a friend who is struggling with his learning.

Key Principle 4: Goals, Dreams and Planning for Success:

In chapters 10-11 we refer to Goals as Dreams. We develop the idea that this is a quest worth doing, but that it is long and arduous. You realise that you’ll need to plan ahead in order to succeed and making the right choices will affect your chances of success.

Key Principle 5: Understand the Issue Before You Look for the Solution:

Although this is a more challenging concept for kids, the scenario in chapter 12 shows that once you can understand another person’s concerns you are better able to find a solution that benefits you both. In this part of the story, the guard seems angry and aggressive, but once he knows you are not armed and mean him no harm, his mood changes and he is able to help you continue on your journey.

We further develop these principles and introduce a few new ones in the books which follow. Find out more at www.thestardragon.com. If you are interested in your own development, there is more information in the Parents section of our website: www.humanbean.com