Social‑Emotional Learning - Connie's Tale as an excellent and entertaining tool for Educators & Therapists

Connie’s Tale is an excellent companion to emotional literacy frameworks like the Zones of Regulation and works beautifully in special education and therapeutic classrooms.

Connie’s Tale naturally fits into social-emotional learning by illustrating emotional transitions a child can understand and discuss.

We intentionally link Connie’s Tale to frameworks like the Zones of Regulation, where we create a powerful educational tool for educators, therapists, and parents looking for engaging SEL resources.

How Connie’s Tale Aligns with Zones of Regulation Concepts

The Zones of Regulation curriculum (created by Leah Kuypers) helps children understand and self-regulate emotions using a four-zone model (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red). This story naturally embodies these emotional journeys:

  • Blue Zone (Sad, Tired, Bored): Connie’s abandonment and loneliness in the desert evoke feelings of isolation.

  • Yellow Zone (Worried, Frustrated, Excited): Connie’s anxiety in uncertain moments, like being locked in a museum hangar, creates emotional tension.

  • Green Zone (Calm, Happy, Proud): Her rediscovery and triumphant return reflect hope, stability, and joy.

  • Red Zone (Intense Emotions): Moments like her powerful engine roar and flying past the Statue of Liberty trigger strong excitement.

By navigating these emotional zones, Connie models emotional resilience—mirroring the Zones curriculum’s goal of teaching children to self-identify and regulate their feelings. Supported and advised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, we are excited to bring this special connection and purpose for Connie’s Tale. 

Connie’s Tale isn’t just a story about a plane—it’s a story about feelings, second chances, and being seen for who you truly are.

With expressive illustrations and a gentle narrative arc, this book aligns beautifully with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) concepts, including:

  • Understanding Emotions: Connie’s journey from joyful flight to abandonment and back again helps young readers recognize and label emotions like sadness, hope, and pride.

  • Empathy and Resilience: Children learn that even when someone feels broken or forgotten, they still have value—and can come back stronger.

  • Zones of Regulation-Inspired Support: Connie’s facial expressions and visual cues throughout the story open up opportunities to talk about “how we feel inside” in a safe, story-driven way.

Educators and therapists have noted how Connie’s Tale can be used in:

  • Social-emotional classroom discussions

  • One-on-one therapy or counseling

  • Special education settings where visual cues and emotional storytelling support learning

This book invites children to identify with a character who is different, deeply emotional, and ultimately empowered. Whether in school, at home, or during travel, Connie’s message encourages self-worth, growth, and emotional regulation.