I Can Say No Activities

No is a very powerful word, but it isn’t always easy to say. Learning to say no is an important step towards setting boundaries and protecting your energy, your beliefs, and your heart. I Can Say No is a great book to show kids that it’s okay to say no without feeling guilty. Here are a few activities to pair with this book.

I received a copy of this book from the National Center for Youth Issues (NCYI) in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Written by: Jenny Simmons
Illustrated by: Kristin Sorra

I Can Say No by Jenny Simmons and Kristin Sorra.

In I Can Say No, Jenny Simmons teaches children the power of the word “no.” Whether it’s saying no to bullying or someone invading their personal space or simply to playing with a friend when they need some alone time, children learn that they can use their voice to stand up for what is good in the world, and good for themselves.

I learned a little word,
And even though it’s small,
When I use it with authority,
I’m the strongest of them all!

That’s right. I can say NO.
I can say no to a movie I don’t like.
I can say no if I’m not into riding bikes.
I can say no if I want to be alone,
Or I’m feeling kind of tired and would rather stay at home.

As parents and educators, we often teach children to use the word “no” when they are in danger or when someone is trying to harm them. But “no” is powerful in other areas of life, as well.

Learning to say “no” without feeling guilty or needing to explain themselves gives children the power to protect their boundaries, energy, convictions, and time. Saying “no” also allows them to create space for saying “yes” to the things that matter most. By teaching children how to use this small but mighty word, they will be able to face life with confidence, independence, and a positive sense of self-worth!

This book shows children that it’s okay, and sometimes necessary, to set personal boundaries to protect yourself, your heart, and your energy. Too often we let the guilt of disappointing someone or hurting someone’s feelings get in the way of what we really want or need. I love that Jenny Simmons has included a page of tips for educators and caregivers in the back of the book. These are a great way to keep the discussion going long after the book has closed.

I CAN SAY NO ACTIVITIES

Here are a few simple activities you can use either during or after reading the story.

I Can Say No is a great book to show kids that it's okay to say no without feeling guilty. Here are a few activities to pair with this book.

Questions: There are 4 questions to help guide your discussion as you read the book.
Yes or No?: Students will read each situation and decide whether to answer yes or no.
I Can Say No: Students will write one thing they can say no to and then decorate the poster. There is also an option without writing.
Written Response: Students can draw and write about the story or write the answer to one of the discussion questions.

You can find all of these activities here: