The Swedish animated short, "Falling Letters (Bokstavsbarn)," (4:14 min) by Erik Rosenlund depicts a child who learns differently. In this case, some of the character's everyday actions turn out awkwardly or set them apart socially from peers.

The ending offers a heartwarming reminder of the power that parents, guardians, and teachers or helping personnel can have when simple support is needed for reassurance in trying times. The imagery can be especially valuable for young children who compare themselves with others and are saddened by their personal differences.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

"Falling Letters" is good resource for teachers and others providing structured or incidental social-emotional learning opportunities. Consider it during and after school for "lunch bunch" and for small or large group sessions by counselors or others.

Caroline Bologna, the associate parents editor at The Huffington Post, sees a child with ADHD when she featured the film in "Gut-Wrenching Video Shows ADHD From A Kid's Perspective," on Feb. 23. Others will see children with many identified disabilities as well as those who are not diagnosed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabiltation Act of 1973.

SEL Resources

Learn more about ways for students to develop skills that help them manage their emotions, resolve conflicts including bullying, and make responsible decisions:

• CASEL: The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
• A collection of articles published by Edutopia — an education initiative that makes SEL learning a priority
• The Committee for Children: Second Step
• The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley core collection about gratitude, altruism, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, happiness, and mindfulness