Week 3 Blog: June 15, 2016

Top 10 Children's Books for Kindness:

  These books all show kindness in a different way.  I would love to use these books for a lesson on manners, or something similar.  We could read different books each week that focus on kindness, sharing, being thankful, etc.  These sorts of books could lead students into great discussions and we could each name something we could do each day to be kind, thankful and share with others.  I recommend many of these books for students in grade K-2.


1.) Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen: Colorful picture book that inspires children to be caring, grateful and kind by showing there is good in people and kindness is always appreciated.


2.) Hey Little Ant by Phillip M. Hoose:  Life from an ant's perspective.  Showing that kindness should extend to all living creatures.

3.) Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson:  A girl continuously ignores another girl who is attempting to befriend her.  Then one day the teacher addresses the importance of kindness and the little girl realizes that she must show kindness back.  Showing the reader that a little kindness can go a long way.

 

4.) A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead:  Amos McGee is a wonderful zookeeper who cares deeply for all of the animals in the zoo. Then one day Amos is sick, and the zoo animals wish to return the favor and care for him.  This shows the reader that kindness is a two way street, sometimes you have to give it to get it in return.


5.) Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud:  This book uses a metaphor- everyone has an invisible bucket that either needs to be filled or dipped into.  When we are kind to others, we dip into our bucket and help fill the bucket of another person.  When we are not kind, our bucket quickly becomes empty.




6.) If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson: This book demonstrates the process of planting and growing, but it also shows how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit.


7.) Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein: This story reminds us that even a small dose of kindness is sure to spur more and more kindness, which could eventually make its way back to you! ( Great Author! ) 


8.) Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss:  Horton, the elephant hears a Who on a speck of dust.  Horton attempts to save this tiny civilization when no one believes they even exist.  This book teaches readers to be kindness and perseverance.


9.) The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: Everyday the boy comes to the tree to eat of her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk.  This makes the tree very happy.  As the boy grows older, he wants more and more from the tree and eventually the tree has nothing more to give to the boy.  This story shows how kindness in the most sacrificial way.  Hopefully this book could be used to bring attention to the kindness that we are shown every single day.  ( One of my favorite books! )


10.) The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig: Brian is the invisible kid at school, no one seems to include him in anything, until the new boy Justin comes to class.  Brian befriends Justin and begins to shine.  I love how this book shows how even those who seem worse off, can still show kindness to others.



This is a great website to find a lot of information regarding books!  Enjoy!
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/kindness