In a world full of routines and responsibilities, celebrating small victories can bring joy, motivation, and emotional connection. Whether it’s finishing a task, overcoming a challenge, or simply feeling proud of oneself or others, we all need moments of acknowledgment. That’s where A New Way to Say Hooray comes in a refreshing concept aimed at encouraging children and adults alike to express their emotions in positive, affirming ways. More than just a phrase, it represents an approach to emotional literacy, self-expression, and confidence building that is both fun and practical for families, educators, and communities.
What Is ‘A New Way to Say Hooray’?
A New Way to Say Hooray is the title of a children’s book written by renowned psychologist Dr. Jamie Lee Curtis. The book introduces children to healthy emotional responses and promotes self-awareness. Rather than offering a single method of celebration, it opens the door to personalized, creative ways of expressing joy and pride. The concept is rooted in emotional intelligence and encourages children to celebrate themselves in diverse, imaginative, and meaningful ways.
The idea behind this approach is to help children develop strong internal motivation and build emotional vocabulary. It empowers them to say hooray in a way that is uniquely theirs through words, gestures, art, or even silence. This flexibility makes the idea accessible and adaptable to various cultures, backgrounds, and personality types.
The Power of Celebration
Celebration is more than just cheering. It’s an acknowledgment of effort, growth, and achievement. When children are taught to celebrate themselves and others, they develop self-esteem, empathy, and resilience. In the context of education, home, or therapy, finding new ways to say hooray can lead to more engaged learning, better behavior, and a deeper sense of emotional well-being.
Why It Matters
- Helps children recognize their accomplishments
- Promotes emotional intelligence and vocabulary
- Encourages creativity and personal expression
- Supports healthy self-image and confidence
- Creates a positive and nurturing environment
Key Elements of the Book
The book A New Way to Say Hooray introduces a character named Jaime who guides children through a series of emotions and experiences. With the help of a superhero figure named Feelings Detective, children learn how to identify what they feel and how to respond constructively. The storyline combines engaging illustrations with simple language, making it suitable for children of all reading levels.
Learning Emotional Vocabulary
One of the standout features of the book is its emphasis on naming feelings. Children are taught that emotions like anger, excitement, sadness, and joy are all valid. By giving each feeling a name and exploring it without judgment, the book promotes emotional understanding and helps children communicate more clearly with others.
Creating Personalized Celebrations
Rather than saying ‘hooray’ in the traditional way, children are encouraged to find their own version of celebration. This could be a happy dance, a drawing, a special handshake, or even a quiet moment of self-recognition. The book supports the idea that there’s no wrong way to express pride as long as it feels right to the individual.
Applications in Real Life
The ideas presented in A New Way to Say Hooray can be used in many everyday settings, making it a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and counselors. It fits naturally into routines and can be adapted for different age groups and developmental stages.
At Home
Parents can use the book as a bedtime story or during family discussions. When a child does something positive like completing homework, helping a sibling, or staying calm in a tough moment parents can ask, What’s your way to say hooray? This prompts reflection and gives the child agency in celebrating their actions.
In the Classroom
Teachers can incorporate the theme into morning meetings or classroom rituals. Instead of giving out gold stars, they can invite students to share how they would like to celebrate their progress. This can foster a sense of community and mutual respect among classmates.
In Therapy or Counseling
Mental health professionals can use the concept to teach coping skills and emotional regulation. For children dealing with anxiety or low self-esteem, finding new ways to celebrate small wins can be empowering and uplifting.
Why Personalized Expression Matters
Every child is different. Some are loud and energetic; others are quiet and introspective. By giving children permission to define their own celebrations, A New Way to Say Hooray respects individuality and encourages autonomy. This approach acknowledges that emotional health is not one-size-fits-all.
Personalized expression helps children feel seen and heard. It builds a strong foundation for self-awareness and supports long-term emotional development. When children learn that their feelings are valid and worthy of celebration, they grow into adults who are more confident, empathetic, and emotionally balanced.
Expanding the Concept
While the book is primarily aimed at children, the core message applies to all ages. Adults, too, can benefit from learning new ways to say hooray. In workplaces, relationships, and personal life, celebrating small wins can improve morale, deepen connections, and inspire ongoing growth.
Ideas for Saying Hooray
- Make a gratitude journal entry
- Give yourself a small reward
- Share your success with a friend
- Create a piece of art or music
- Take a mindful moment to acknowledge yourself
A New Way to Say Hooray is more than a children’s book it is a philosophy that invites people of all ages to celebrate life in a way that feels meaningful and authentic. Whether used in homes, classrooms, or therapy settings, the message is clear: every accomplishment, big or small, deserves recognition. And that recognition can take any form as long as it brings joy and affirmation to the person experiencing it. By encouraging creativity, emotional expression, and self-awareness, this approach helps build a more positive and emotionally healthy world for future generations.