As a parent sometimes the most important lessons children learn aren’t found on a worksheet or test at least that is what I found out with Charlie and Suzzane when they were little. They are the lessons about how we treat other people. This can include how we welcome someone who has been away from school?

What can we do when a friend is going through something difficult? How can we show someone we care when we aren’t sure what to say? This is why I wanted to share a new children’s book called “Beyond Words”with you which is helping educators open those conversations with students while teaching an important lesson about kindness, compassion and empathy.

“Beyond Words,” is created by Aflac and written by children’s author Sheri Fink, follows Buddy the bear as he prepares for a friend’s return to the classroom after a stay in the hospital. Buddy imagines traveling through space as he tries to figure out the right words—and actions—to welcome his friend back.

The message behind the story is a simple one: Sometimes showing empathy isn’t about finding the perfect thing to say. Sometimes it’s about what we do. That is a lesson children can carry with them far beyond the classroom. The lesson in the book can be used in many ways.

Helping Children Understand Empathy: For children, understanding what another person may be feeling isn’t always easy.

A story gives them a safe way to explore those feelings. As teachers read “Beyond Words,” they can talk with students about questions such as:

• How might you feel if you had been away from school for a long time?
• What might a returning classmate need from their friends?
• What are some ways we can show someone we care?
• Is there always a perfect thing to say?
• How can our actions make another person feel welcome?
• What does kindness look like in our classroom?

These conversations can help children think about situations from another person’s perspective. And perhaps most importantly, they give children opportunities to practice kindness instead of simply hearing that kindness is important.

“Beyond Words is a book with a bigger purpose and it” is part of Aflac’s continuing work supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer and blood disorders.According to Aflac, 100% of the net proceeds from sales of the book benefit research and treatment of childhood cancer and blood disorders through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.

The book also addresses something that can be easy to overlook when we talk about childhood illness. Healing isn’t only physical. A child returning to school after a hospital stay may also have emotional and social challenges. They may wonder how their classmates will react, whether they have missed too much, or whether things will feel the same when they return. A simple act of kindness from a classmate can make that transition a little easier.

Aflac is providing educators with complimentary copies of “Beyond Words,” along with a Conversation Companion designed to help teachers use the book to start discussions about kindness and empathy. The resources are available to educators while supplies last. Teachers can learn more and request the resources through Aflac’s Beyond Words program.

The initiative also includes a partnership with DonorsChoose. Aflac has committed $25,000 in matching funds for eligible social-emotional learning projects on DonorsChoose that include books. That means this isn’t only about putting one book into one classroom. It is also about helping educators obtain additional resources that can support social-emotional learning and reading. Teachers can explore eligible projects and learn more through DonorsChoose.

One of the things I love about using books to teach children is that a story gives us somewhere to begin. Instead of simply telling a child, “You need to be empathetic,” we can introduce them to a character who is trying to understand someone else’s experience. We can ask what the character did and we can ask what the character could have done differently.

And then we can bring that conversation back to everyday life. What would you do if a new student joined your class? What would you do if your friend had been sick? What would you do if someone looked lonely at lunch? What would you do if you didn’t know what to say? Those are the kinds of questions that can turn reading time into a meaningful life lesson.

Children sometimes think that helping someone requires doing something huge. But kindness can be very small.

It can be:

• Sitting beside someone who is alone.
• Including another child in a game.
• Asking a friend how they are doing.
• Listening instead of interrupting.
• Saving someone a seat.
• Helping with schoolwork.
• Saying hello.
• Giving someone time to adjust.
• Simply being there.

Those small actions can communicate something powerful: You matter.

The book brings lessons families can continue at home. The conversation doesn’t have to end when the book is closed. Parents and grandparents can use children’s books as a starting point for talking about real-life situations. After reading a story together, ask your child: “What would you do?” Then give them time to answer.

There doesn’t have to be one perfect response. The goal is to help children think about how their words and actions affect other people. We can also encourage children to notice kindness when they see it. “Did you notice what she did for her friend?” “How do you think that made him feel?” “What could we do to help someone today?” Those simple conversations can become part of everyday family life.

The title of this book is especially meaningful because sometimes words aren’t enough. When someone is hurting, we may not know what to say. When someone has been away from school, we may not know exactly how they feel. When a friend is facing something difficult, we may not be able to fix the problem.

But we can still show that we care. We can listen and we can include them. We can welcome them and we can be kind. And sometimes, those actions say everything that needs to be said. “Beyond Words” offers educators and families another way to talk with children about empathy, kindness and compassion.

But the lesson goes beyond one children’s book. Every day gives us opportunities to teach children that kindness isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we do. And sometimes the smallest act of kindness can mean the most to someone who needs it.

Greatful Moments received information about Aflac’s “Beyond Words” initiative as a media opportunity. This article is based on information provided by Aflac and its partners. Educators interested in the complimentary book and Conversation Companion should check availability through Aflac’s official program page.

About the book:

Get ready for an intergalactic adventure exploring the depths of empathy, love, and understanding! When Buddy’s friend is returning to school after being in the hospital, he wants to find the perfect words to make her feel better.

Through the magic of his imagination, he journeys through outer space in search of what to say. After a series of heartwarming experiences and out-of-this-world encounters, he overcomes obstacles and discovers ways to express love and friendship through helping, spending time together, loving touch, and giving.

Beyond Words empowers readers of all ages to be kind, loving, and compassionate with themselves and others. Kids will learn coping and comforting skills, as well as ways to take action to help friends and communicate love and support beyond words.

Inspired by the overwhelming response to its My Special Aflac Duck® program supporting children with cancer and sickle cell disease, Beyond Words is Aflac’s newest message of love and compassion, with 100 percent of the net proceeds from this book going to childhood cancer and sickle cell disease research and treatment.

Meet the Author: Sheri Fink is a #1 best-selling author, inspirational speaker, award-winning entrepreneur and president of Whimsical World.

Whimsical World is an empowering brand created by #1 best-selling authors and inspirational speakers, Sheri Fink and Derek Taylor Kent. Whimsical World’s mission is to inspire, delight, and educate children of all ages while planting seeds of self-esteem and high achievement.

Sheri is the author of 19 books, including Beyond Words written in collaboration with Aflac, the Whimsical World children’s books: Wishing You Rainbows, Magenta, The Little Unicorn, The Little Monster, The Little Dragon, The Little Rose, The Little Gnome, The Little Firefly, The Little Seahorse, The Little Penguin, Exploring the Garden with the Little Rose, Counting Sea Life with the Little Seahorse, World of Whimsy with the Little Unicorn, Whimsical World Coloring Book, The Little Monster’s BIG Birthday; contemporary romance / women’s fiction novel, Cake in Bed; empowering self-help book, InstaGrateful: Finding Your Bliss in a Social Media World; and the motivational self-help journal, My Bliss Book: An Inspirational Journal for Daily Dream Building and Extraordinary Living.

Beyond Words, her children’s book written in collaboration with Aflac, empowers readers of all ages to be kind, loving, and compassionate with themselves and others. Kids learn coping and comforting skills, as well as ways to take action to help friends and communicate love and support beyond words. 100 percent of the net proceeds from the book goes directly to childhood cancer and blood disorder treatment and research.

Sheri loves to write and travels the world inspiring audiences of all ages to believe in themselves, dream bigger dreams, and take action to live their best lives. She creates books, products, and experiences that empower kids. Her children’s books were #1 best-sellers, including The Little Rose which was a #1 Amazon Best-seller for over 60 weeks, became the #1 Top-Rated Children’s eBook on Amazon, and was adapted into a stage play.

CBS Los Angeles selected her as one of the top 3 authors in her local area, a distinction she shares with Dean Koontz. Sheri’s books have been honored with over 35 awards, including 14 gold medals in international book awards. She is a recipient of the prestigious Gold Mom’s Choice Award honoring the best in family friendly entertainment. She was selected as an inspirational beauty by supermodel Cindy Crawford’s “Beauties Give Back” campaign. Sheri’s books have been featured in the Netflix’s Best Worst Weekend Ever television show, and Disney’s Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers feature film.

Sheri is an empowering speaker who shares her strategies on overcoming adversity and living life with passion and aliveness as well as her inspirational journey. Her talks focus on authenticity, confidence, and personal empowerment. In addition, Sheri speaks to schools about the importance of kindness, what it takes to be a successful author, and the behind-the-scenes of transforming an idea into a book.

Sheri Fink has spoken to and inspired thousands of people throughout North America including events for PBS, Barnes and Noble at The Grove, USC, and UCLA, corporations including Macy’s and California Pizza Kitchen, and has keynoted for the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Southern California Writers Conference, the Missouri Writers Guild Annual Conference, the American Association of University Women, and the South Bay Women’s Conference.

Sheri and her books have been featured in hundreds of articles, programs, websites, and shows, including on NBC’s The 10! Show, CBS Los Angeles, The Huffington Post, Localista Magazine, Life After 50 Magazine, Conversations Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. Sheri Fink has appeared on the cover of several magazines along with feature articles that inspire readers to believe in themselves and take inspired action to transform their lives.

Sheri is a proud supporter of organizations that make a difference in the lives of children, especially Reading Is Fundamental, Children’s Hospital, and the Girl Scouts of America.

She and her husband live a whimsical life in Southern California with their two magical children and their mischievous dog.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates