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Darla & Belle

Becoming Best Friends

Written by: BrekLynn Pancheri

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Spreading the Message of Kindness and Inclusion One Classroom at a Time

BrekLynn Pancheri’s mission goes beyond writing a children’s book; she’s committed to making sure its message of kindness and inclusion reaches as many young hearts as possible. That’s why she personally visits elementary schools to read Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends to students. For BrekLynn, reading her own book to children is more than just a fun activity, it’s a way to open conversations about empathy, standing up to bullying, and celebrating each other's differences.

Why BrekLynn Reads Darla and Belle to Elementary Students

As an advocate for inclusion and kindness, BrekLynn understands that children are deeply influenced by the stories they hear. Rather than choosing a book that’s already on the shelves, BrekLynn felt inspired to create a story that was true to her vision, a vision shaped by her experiences as a dancer, volunteer, and mentor for children with special needs.

By reading her own book, BrekLynn connects with students on a personal level. She shares not only Darla and Belle’s story but also her own journey of advocating for kindness, embracing differences, and standing up for those who feel left out. Through these school visits, she hopes to inspire children to see the value in every person they meet, regardless of their abilities or appearance.

Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends was written specifically to give children the tools they need to face bullying, build friendships, and embrace their uniqueness. BrekLynn knew that by writing her own story, she could make sure these vital messages came through in an authentic, heartfelt way. Each visit is an opportunity to inspire confidence in the children she meets, empowering them to make their school communities more inclusive and accepting.

Why Darla and Belle is the Perfect Classroom Read-Aloud for Teachers

In today’s classrooms, fostering an environment of inclusion, empathy, and kindness is more important than ever. Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends is a valuable tool for teachers to introduce these essential themes in a way that resonates with young students. Whether you're looking to start a discussion about bullying, teach children to embrace differences, or simply share a heartwarming story, BrekLynn Pancheri’s book offers a meaningful way to spark these conversations.

Creating an Inclusive Classroom Culture

Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends provides a foundation for teachers to encourage empathy and understanding among students. The story of Darla, who feels different because of her bright green skin, and Belle, who sees Darla for who she really is, offers an opportunity to discuss the importance of seeing beyond appearances and celebrating the uniqueness of every individual. By reading this book aloud, teachers can reinforce the idea that differences, whether they come in the form of a disability, a learning challenge, or simply standing out in some way, are something to be celebrated, not feared.

Addressing Bullying and Peer Pressure Through Storytelling

In many schools, bullying is a difficult topic to address. However, Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends gives teachers a gentle and relatable way to discuss how students can stand up to bullying and support their peers. The story’s positive message shows children that even small acts of kindness and bravery can make a big difference in their school community. Teachers can use this book as a launchpad for discussions on how students can create a more welcoming and safe environment for everyone.

Encouraging Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends aligns perfectly with social-emotional learning (SEL) goals by teaching children to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. As Darla learns to stand up to bullies and embrace her uniqueness, readers are reminded that it's okay to be different, and that true friendship is built on kindness and understanding. These messages encourage self-esteem and social awareness, key components of any SEL curriculum.

A Versatile Resource for Lesson Planning

The book’s engaging story and themes make it a versatile resource for various subjects and activities. Teachers can use Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends during literacy lessons, character education, and even art projects, allowing students to explore themes of inclusion and kindness through creative expression. The book’s daily affirmations at the end also provide an opportunity for students to practice positive self-talk, reinforcing the idea that they are amazing, loved, and enough just as they are. By reading Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends to their students, teachers can help cultivate a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and accepted.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Why High School Students Should Share Darla and Belle with Elementary Schools

For high school students looking to make a positive impact in their communities, reading Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends to elementary students offers a unique and rewarding opportunity. Not only does this service provide a meaningful way to give back, but it also reinforces important lessons about kindness, inclusion, and standing up for others, values that are as crucial for young readers as they are for high schoolers.

Building Connections Through Storytelling

When high school students take the time to visit elementary schools and read to younger children, they bridge the gap between different age groups, fostering a sense of connection and mentorship. Reading Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends gives high schoolers the chance to engage younger students in important conversations about empathy and friendship, while also serving as role models who demonstrate the values highlighted in the story. Younger students often look up to older peers, and by sharing this book, high school students can show them the importance of being kind, inclusive, and confident in who they are.

Advocating for Inclusion and Kindness

Many high school students are passionate about creating inclusive environments and advocating for social change. By reading Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends, they are actively promoting a message of kindness and empathy within their local community. This book encourages young readers to embrace their differences, stand up to bullies, and befriend those who feel left out, lessons that high schoolers can reinforce through their own actions and personal stories. For high school students, reading Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends to elementary schoolers is not just an act of service, but a way to champion a culture of kindness that can ripple through schools and neighborhoods.

A Powerful Community Service Project with Lasting Impact

Many community service projects focus on short-term help, but reading Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends offers long-lasting benefits for both the high schoolers and the children they serve. Younger students are deeply influenced by the stories they hear, and the lessons in Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends can shape how they approach friendships, handle peer pressure, and develop empathy. High school students who take part in this community service project are contributing to the development of more inclusive, caring classrooms and future leaders.

Personal Growth for High School Students

In addition to helping younger students, this community service project is an opportunity for personal growth. Reading to elementary students requires leadership, confidence, and communication skills, all of which are valuable for high schoolers as they prepare for college and future careers. It also gives them a deeper sense of fulfillment as they see firsthand how their actions positively influence younger children, helping them feel proud of the role they play in making their community a kinder, more inclusive place. By choosing to read Darla and Belle: Becoming Best Friends to elementary students, high schoolers have the opportunity to spread a message of kindness and acceptance while gaining valuable experience and creating a lasting impact on their community.