Audrey Penn wrote The Kissing Hand more than 20 years ago, yet it remains a lovely lead-in to a contemporary conversation about emotional intelligence. Little Chester Raccoon cries about leaving home to attend his first day at school. Wise Mrs. Raccoon shows Chester how to blend language, behavior, and imagination to manage his feelings. She uses safe, symbolic touch by kissing the palm of Chester’s hand. She tells a story to engage his imagination. Ruth E.Harper and Nancy M. Leak beautifully illustrate this transfer of love from mother to son.
Chester now has a tool to cope with emotional stress. Chester gives his mother a Kissing Hand, which she
touches to her cheek as he dances off to school.
Buzzin Bees of Learning has The Kissing Hand First Day Activity, Mentor Texts for Munchkins has a detailed Reading Workshop/Writing Workshop Resource for teachers, and the Native Educator has a Retelling Diamond. This book is a favorite, so there are many other activities available.
