I’m Sorry by Michael Ian Black & Debbie Ridpath Ohi

This year my school is emphasizing social emotional learning since our kiddos have lived through a pandemic which isn’t over. I’ve been reading one picture book each week that emphasizes some characteristic that we can learn and discuss during our morning meetings.

Some of my kindergartners stayed at home during their preschool year, and so they are still working on how to get along with others. When I saw my writing/illustrator friend’s new book, I’M SORRY, I knew I needed this for my class. I’ve read the duo’s first book, I’M BORED by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

In I’M SORRY, Flamingo is upset because Potato hurt her feelings. He doesn’t know how to go about apologizing. The girl facilitates the conversation between them and encourages Potato to offer a true apology.

Using Jamboard, I created one slide for each morning with a question for my class to discuss. On the first slide, I asked, “Have you ever felt hurt like Flamingo? Tell us about it.” I love kindergartners’ honesty. One answer broke my heart. On the second slide, I asked, “Have you ever hurt someone else’s feelings? Did you apologize?” Again, the students told me how they had hurt someone, mostly a sibling. Lastly, I asked, “Do you think Potato and Flamingo are friends? How do you know? What makes a good friend?” I wrote their list of qualities on the board.

We also role-played apologizing with a partner. When relationships get rocky and emotions flare, my students recognize the need to apologize. All from a Potato and Flamingo.