OTT 257: Wally Is Worried- Helping Students (and Ourselves) Navigate Big Feelings

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A worried watermelon might be exactly what your students need to navigate their big feelings this year. Meet Wally – the adorable protagonist of author Erin Waters' new children's book that's transforming how we approach anxiety in the classroom.

Drawing from her seven years as a first-grade teacher and her personal journey with worry, Waters has crafted a story that resonates deeply with both children and adults. "I've been a worrier since I was a kid," she shares, "and now that I have kids of my own, I see that same side of them." This authentic connection to anxiety makes Wally's journey particularly meaningful for young readers ages 4-8 who are learning to identify and manage their emotions.

What sets this book apart are Waters' innovative paper collage illustrations. Creating characters from colorful paper, household items, and even aluminum foil, she's developed a visual language that's both accessible and enchanting. The vibrant vegetable characters each offer Wally different coping strategies – from Teddy Tomato's "soup breaths" to other practical techniques children can easily remember and apply. One parent already reported her daughter successfully using "Teddy tomato soup breaths" during a stressful softball game, proving these strategies transfer seamlessly from page to real-life application.

Teachers and counselors will appreciate the extensive support materials Waters has created to accompany the book. By scanning the QR code inside the cover, educators can access free printable posters for calm-down corners, bookmarks, worksheets, and digital slides that make implementation seamless. Whether used during back-to-school season to ease transition anxieties, during testing periods, or as part of regular social-emotional learning, Wally's story provides children with concrete tools for managing worry.

Grab your copy of "Wally is Worried" on Amazon today, and visit ErinWatersEDU.com/Wally to access all the free companion resources. Help your students discover that while worries may never completely disappear, they can learn strategies to make those big feelings more manageable – one soup breath at a time.

Wally Is Worried: A Book About Worrying for Kids

ErinWatersEDU.com/Wally

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