Fund Hector's Journey to Teach Kindness

Hello, my name is Hector Hernandez and I want to create a book publishing company that focuses on teaching Social-emotional learning to young children. (Social emotional learning, or SEL, promotes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision making) I am a preschool teacher and have been an educator for over ten years. My main focus, when it comes to early childhood education, is social-emotional learning. I have seen the power of teaching children empathy, understanding, and kindness in the classroom. It helps create a more understanding, welcoming, and loving classroom. Classrooms where they ask to share things without teacher intervention. Classrooms where they understand that their classmate who is on the spectrum has a brain that works a little bit differently than theirs and that it’s ok if he doesn’t want to share his favorite toy because he just needs a bit more patience and understanding. Classrooms where students understand that sometimes friends need alone time and they'll play when they are feeling better.

A couple of years ago, I wrote “Zoe’s Great Amazing, and Fantastic Day” with the small funds I had at my disposal. When children were not letting others play with them, I would ask them “How did Zoe feel when no one was there for her?” “How did Zoe have an amazing day?” After those questions, they would take in the new friend and help them enjoy their day. seeing my story help young children understand the importance of being there for a friend made me so happy and proud. The stories I will write about will aim to help children understand , label, and navigate their own emotions; understand how others feel and how they might affect them, and promote critical thinking and understanding.

as of right now I am working on these books

"Grumpy Wumpy"- Story about a grumpy elephant who learns calming down strategies with the help of his friend.(promotes labeling of emotions and fun calming down techniques)

"The Way I Am"- Story about a child who is on the spectrum trying to navigate his life on a regular school day. Story is based off of real events and experiences from children on the spectrum in as school setting. (promotes understanding, kindness, and empathy)

(title TBD)- a story where a papa hippo tries his best to help his sad baby hippo. (promotes empathy, labeling emotions, kindness

"Grumble Grumble Monster"- story of a child with a vivid imagination that, with he help of a friend, finds out that not everything is as scary it seems.( promotes friendship and interpersonal skills)

Surviving Toddlerhood- A guide that helps parents attain new strategies, ways of communicating with their toddlers, and better understand how toddlers work. The strategies will have examples and explain how and why it works.

Preview: when a toddler is set into tantrum mode, the limbic system takes control of your toddler! Fun fact! That is the same part of the brain that takes control when people are drunk. this means they will have worse impulse control and even worse listening skills.

what can you do? here are some strategies but always keep in mind the reason for the tantrum!

*reminder! there is a BIG difference in brain activity and strategies when a child is DEEP into tantrum and when the child is just beginning the tantrum*

1.The SPACE, man:

If at home-Give them space. sometimes children stay upset at parents a way get back at their parents for making them upset. Let them know that you are sorry that they are upset and will give them space to feel better. let them know you will be close in case they need you. this helps build back the trust as you are showing you care but also not giving them the negative attention that feeds unwanted behavior. Once you are not there and they are not getting a rise out of you, the tantrum will clear. if child is aggressive (hitting, throwing things) -before leaving the room, in your calm but firm voice, quickly remind them what they CAN do if they're that upset. whatever helps them let out the energy in a safe way. like punch a pillow or counting to ten and back. redirecting keeps the child focused on what to do and helps them not think of the tantrum . Telling them no or stop will only give in to the friction they want fueling the tantrum even more so.

2. DISTRACT!

children have very low attention spans. sometimes a quick distract can open a small window of opportunity to reopen the lines of communication. Try something that will make them laugh! Ask random questions about a topic they like. once there is a brief pause in he tantrum, you can try to talk them through it. "Hey I'm sorry you got upset, but you have to understand... "

3. EVACUATE!

sometimes an object, person, or animal (OPA) can cause a tantrum. like wanting a cookie , or toy at a store, or seeing someone that scares them. If they're in deep tantrum mode (screaming nonstop and staring/ running towards/ hiding) move the OPA away from the child or move the child away from the OPA. the child will not be able to focus on anything or listen to you until that OPA causing the tantrum is out of sight. (children on the spectrum might do this often)

*The funds will be used to illustrate and publish books

** I have a private investor who promised to match up to 15k!!!