Stop, Breathe, Think, Go!

 A Book Review of Becca Epps Learns to Be

Becca Epps Learns to Be
Written by: Amy R. Murrell
​Illustrated by: Melissa Londoño Connally
Published by: Shawnee Scientific Press

Becca Epps Learns to Be is one of a series of books, written by psychologist, Amy Murrell, PhD. She has written this series as a tool to help children learn the therapeutic process of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The focus of this therapeutic approach is basically "paying attention on purpose for a purpose." 

Becca Epps Learns to Be focuses on behavioral issues typically associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), however, the issues and behaviors within the story can relate to all children at one time or another. Children struggling with ADHD types of issues will surely relate to Becca. Through Becca, the author clearly captures the workings of the ADHD mind, with the tendency to act on impulse, daydream and become overwhelmed easily. Despite these issues, Becca is presented as a likeable character with her spirited personality shining through. 

​This book is packed chock full of coping strategies, which are part of the ACT therapeutic process. The coping strategies presented relate to mindfulness and can benefit all children, and adults alike. The first strategy demonstrated is one that I've used often in my practice and find very helpful. It is the stoplight strategy, which is a great visual self-control tool to assist kids in slowing down to think before they act. Many strategies for focusing on the moment and paying attention to your body are modeled by Becca and presented in a child-friendly way. The book realistically addresses the difficulty in focusing your mind on these strategies and carrying them through. 

The illustrator, Melissa Londoño Connally, captures Becca's spirit and energy throughout the book. Becca is depicted as a character in the older age ranges of a picture book. Therefore, this book can be used therapeutically for a broader age group ranging from 4 to 11 years old. 

Ms. Murrell provides a wealth of helpful information at the end of the book, including a note to adults, discussion questions and further activity ideas. This book will be a very helpful addition to your therapeutic, home or classroom library.
Check it out and purchase ​here, along with other helpful books in the Becca Epps series.

***I have an exciting announcement this month! I am going to feature, Amy Murrell, the author of this book, in an interview at the end of the month! She has reviewed research extensively on the benefits of bibliotherapy and will share with us her findings, as well as share more about her book series. Check back at the end of the month for this exciting and informative interview!***

I have provided an activity idea below based on the stoplight self-control strategy presented in the book. ​

Activity Idea for Becca Epps Learns to Be

The most important activity to go along with this book is to practice the mindfulness exercises presented. If you practice these skills with the child often when they are calm and attentive, they are more likely to use them at times when they are most needed. Make these strategies a part of your routine! 

Materials needed: 
-shoe box 
-cardboard or heavy paper
-black paint
-glass to trace circles
​-Sharp scissors 
- X-acto knife
-strong glue
-Cellophane in red, yellow and green(or tissue paper can work)
-flameless tealight candles -3

***I got a little over-excited and extravagant with this project! You could also simply use a piece of cardboard, glue on 3 circles cut from construction paper for the lights and move on from there! This might work much better for the younger kids. 

Directions: 
1. Trace 3 circles on the bottom of the shoe box
using a cup or glass. Start with the middle circle
so you can place the circles evenly.
















​
​
2. Cut out circles using X-acto knife or sharp
scissors (adult job!). *Be careful not to cut box
between circles like I did!








3. Through the holes, poke a hole on the other
side of box (top of box) in middle of circle, for the candles. 





​4. Turn box over and cut out a small half circles
where you had pierced the box with X-acto knife. 







5. Paint box; Let dry







6. Cut cellophane pieces in red, yellow and green to fit behind holes and cover lights. I used a triple layer. 




​7.. Open box and on inside place glue around circles, sticking the right color cellophane on the holes in the right order of a traffic light. 















​8. On the inside of the top of the box, glue the flameless candles, so on/off switch shows through hole; Replace top of box.













​9. Write the following directions with marker on 3 cardboard pieces or heavy paper; 
       1. STOP! Listen for the smallest sound. 
       BREATHE!

       2. THINK about your choices. 

       3. ACT! 

​10. Glue next to corresponding light.
​
11. Role-play with the child. Describe a scenario, turning each light on, starting with red.  Have child tell you where he should start and what he should do with each color. Practice each skill! 

For example, 
Scenario: John grabbed your pencil off your desk. 
Red light on: Child stops, closes eyes,
listens for slightest sounds, BREATHES. 

Yellow light on: Child brainstorms options.
ie. -scream for teacher's attention
-hits John
-grab pencil back
-ask John nicely to return pencil
-Tell John it makes you angry when he grabs your stuff
etc. 
***Child picks the best choice.
​
Green light on: Child acts on their best choice. 
Makes choice of asking him nicely for pencil back and acts on this. 








OR This is the much easier, quicker project option!! 

1. Paint cardboard rectangle; if desired

​

​

​



2. Trace circles on construction paper using cup; cut circles




​

3. Glue circles on rectangle







​4. Finished project! Role-play with child.
See # 11 above. 
Thanks again to my talented artist helper for assisting with the project!

---