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About The Book
Joseph, Froggy, and Mrs. Slattery
This book is a republication. The story is true. Only names of those involved have been changed. Selective mutism is a difficult problem to overcome. But, with the student described in this book, we were successful—no easy task with this condition. After the interventions which included the student, the teacher, the parents, and myself as counselor, I told all involved that I would eventually write a book about this experience and this is it. Selective mutism is defined as a failure to speak in specific situations despite being able to speak in other circumstances. Typically it is a symptom of underlying anxiety. Frequently it is found during the primary school years where it is of great concern since children are starting to read. During this time, teachers are also doing important assessments.
Teachers find it very difficult to do accurate evaluations with children who are experiencing selective mutism. School counselors, parents, and teachers who have worked with this condition, know how difficult it can be for a student having trouble talking with both adults and peers at school. In this real life story, the counselor describes how “Joseph”, in cooperation with his team, learned to communicate by the end of first grade. Additional information, not provided in the prior book, is included at the back of this book for parents and educators.
The story behind the book Joseph, Froggy, and Mrs. Slattery
As stated on the back cover, Joseph is a true story. Although when faced with a student with selective mutism for the first time I knew very little about the condition I soon learned quite a bit about it through a lot of research and, more importantly, experience. Our treatment plan, outlined in the book, essentially designed by me, was “flying by the seat of our pants”. Fortunately we were very successful. I can’t say for sure if a similar plan would work for other children with this disorder as we know they are all different. If at a loss for what direction to take I would give it a try. There are also other suggestions in the back of the book for ways to deal with this serious issue.
The Guidance Series
Solutions to Specific Childhood Problems
Books in “The Guidance Series” are meant to be read to children by parents, caretakers, school counselors or teachers. After the reading there would hopefully then be a discussion of what the book was about and what should be learned from the story.
The books in this series fall into two categories – problem solving or problem prevention:
- The problem solving generally deal with a specific issue [divorce, stealing ,sleep issues, etc.]
- The problem prevention stories are meant to be more educational in nature and teach skills used to avoid problems in the first place [personal space, bully proofing, making and keeping friends, etc.]
All the books in this series are about real issues I was involved in helping elevate or social skills I taught my students as their school counselor.
During my career I had many books I would read to my students to help teach them important lessons about such things as manners, responsibility, etc.. I had a small library in my office for that purpose and I also used that to loan parents and teachers books on various topics to read to their students or children.
I would suggest to my fellow elementary school counselors adding the books in this series to their personal or school library. You never know when one of them might come in handy and, compared to many books I purchased , they are not very expensive.
Joseph, Froggy, and Mrs. Slattery
Selective mutism is a difficult problem to overcome. But, with the student described in this book, we were successful—no easy task with this condition.
The Bubble Brigade
Teaching Children the Concept of Personal Space and how to Protect Themselves
This book explains the concept of personal space and the skill of self-protection, “bully-proofing,” in an easy way for children to understand.
Four Friends
A Book about Making and Keeping Friends
Some children seem to make friends easily while others struggle. Children can be taught friendship making skills as well as conflict resolution.
The Dream Box
The story of a second-grade girl who is having sleep issues. The technique illustrated in this book was used successfully numerous times by the author in dealing with students with the same problem.
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