Additional information
by Jennifer Licate (Author), Suzanne Beaky (Illustrator)
This teacher and counselor activity guide supplements the Why is He Spreading Rumors about Me? chapter book, a gripping and thought-provoking tale about the emotional toll a false rumor has on middle school students.
Relatable situations and helpful strategies for coping with rumors and gossip are described in depth. The guide pairs text from the story with probing questions and group activities to further engage students with the content and encourage spirited discussions about why and how rumors spread, the shame and alienation victims of false rumors can experience, and the true meaning of friendship. After reading the story and completing the activities, students of all ages will be empowered to stop or ignore hurtful rumors about others, speak up for themselves when they are the target of hurtful gossip, and develop friendships that are based on trust and mutual respect. Why is He Spreading Rumors about Me? Teacher and Counselor Activity Guide is the sixth title in the powerful Navigating Friendship series by school counselor and award-winning author Jennifer Licate. The series features chapter books and supplemental activity guides that equip middle school students with the skills they need to successfully cope with changing friendships, advocate for themselves, and get along with others. The series includes Why is Drama Always Following Me?, My Anxiety is Messing Things Up, He's Not Just Teasing!, I Lost My BFF, and Am I Weird?Author Biography
Jennifer is an award-winning children's book author who has worked as a school counselor for over a decade. She loves writing social and emotional books to help children and preteens through challenging times. Jennifer's books teach children strategies to work through their issue, and the stories give children the comfort of knowing they're not alone in their struggles. Her books focus on topics such as anxiety, depression, and friendship struggles. Jennifer's books use a quick-read chapter format and are geared toward children ages 9 to 13.
Through working with children of all ages, Jennifer has seen the benefits of social-emotional learning books firsthand. Children lose themselves as they're immersed within the stories. They're able to understand complex issues from so many different perspectives by seeing the story through the eyes of the characters. Counseling children, as well as raising two children of her own, has taught her a universal truth: all children want to be loved, valued, and respected for the unique individuals they are. She channels this truth, the importance of providing support to children as they navigate social and emotional issues, and her love for creativity into all her children's books. Her goal is that all children who read one of her books will feel like the stories are speaking directly to them.
