Words shape understanding and shape how children see themselves and the world. At Wildhaven, we choose language that respects children’s intelligence and nurtures their capacity for clear, confident communication. From “private parts” to “trusted adult,” our stories use precise, consistent vocabulary that supports learning across home, school, and therapeutic settings.
Rich, descriptive language is also essential for literacy and cognitive development. When children are regularly exposed to varied, meaningful vocabulary—especially in the context of storytelling and conversation—they build the linguistic foundation they’ll carry into reading, writing, and self-expression. And when they have the words to name their experiences, they’re better able to advocate for themselves and others.

Our curriculum teaches children how to notice, name, and regulate their emotions through grounding practices, movement, and breath. These tools help children navigate big feelings without shame and create a foundation for lifelong emotional resilience.
Research shows that emotional regulation in early childhood is a strong predictor of later success in school, social relationships, and mental health. Children who can identify and manage their emotions are better able to concentrate, resolve conflicts, and respond flexibly to challenges. According to developmental experts, strategies like breathing exercises, movement breaks, and co-regulation with trusted adults help strengthen the brain’s ability to manage stress and increase a child’s sense of control.
These skills are not innate. They are learned through modeling, practice, and nurturing relationships.

Young children learn best through repetition, play, and story. Each Wildhaven tale is carefully crafted to meet children where they are and reinforce big ideas in small, digestible ways. Our materials are grounded in early childhood education best practices to support true understanding.

Wildhaven stories are designed to be shared. We believe meaningful learning happens in relationship with teachers, caregivers, therapists, and other trusted adults. That’s why our stories are written for read-aloud time, with built-in prompts for discussion and reflection. When a child learns alongside someone they trust, the lessons go deeper and last longer.

Roughly 40% of child sexual abuse is committed by other minors. This is a heartbreaking statistic—and one that’s often left out of the conversation. At Wildhaven Tales, we believe prevention means reaching all children early: not only to protect them from harm, but to help ensure they never cause it. Our curriculum teaches children how to set boundaries and how to respect them, providing clear, age-appropriate lessons about consent, empathy, and emotional regulation. By giving kids the tools to navigate conflict, express feelings, and understand the impact of their actions, we help reduce the likelihood of harmful behavior before it begins.

Our work is informed by lived experience. As survivors and educators, we’ve seen what happens when children are silenced, and what becomes possible when they are heard. Every page of Wildhaven is created with that insight: to honor survivors, protect children, and build tools we wish we had been given ourselves.

Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Wildhaven characters represent a variety of family structures, communication styles, needs, and personalities. While our characters are animals, their stories are rooted in human truth, welcoming all children into a world that affirms their voice and value.

Wildhaven materials are designed to meet children wherever they are: in a classroom, at home, in therapy, or in a community group. Our books and lesson plans can stand alone or work together, making them ideal for formal curriculum adoption or one-on-one support. Accessibility and ease of use are baked into every story and guide.

Every Wildhaven Tales story is thoughtfully mapped to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) standards and Erin’s Law requirements, ensuring that the lessons go beyond “nice ideas” to meet real educational goals. By aligning with nationally recognized frameworks for relationship skills, self-awareness, and empowerment, our curriculum gives educators confidence that every book they read is evidence-based and purposeful. Our lesson plans, parent guides, and educator materials are designed to reinforce these standards through story, reflection, and hands-on activities, making consent education practical, approachable, and deeply meaningful.
In addition to SEL and Erin’s Law alignment, Wildhaven Tales intentionally incorporates science and English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum standards, introducing rich vocabulary, nature-based facts, and opportunities for meaningful discussion. This integrated approach deepens learning while meeting multiple early childhood standards in one cohesive framework.