Top Ten Books for Kindness

This blog will be about the top ten books that I think best talk about kindness. The books I list will not be for a specific grade level or for a specific group of students. I believe that the next ten books that I introduce you to are the best books that show students how to show kindness to others. Let's start with my number one book choice.

1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
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This quote alone should tell you how special the book is. This book is about a boy names Auggie who was born with a facial deformity and is going to be mainstreamed for the first time. He spend his time trying to convince the other students he is just like them. One of the other quotes that touches the heart of kindness from this book is, " When given the choice to be right or be kind. Choice kind." If at all possible, read this book! It is a must read.

2. 
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
This book is more about compassion but within it there is kindness. This story is about a girl who has Cerebral Palsy and cannot walk or talk. It is about her journey of trying to fit in and being able to talk. It is a real page turning that is for sure and students in third grade or older really connect to it.

3.
 Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson. This is a story about a girl who starts at a new school and the girl she meets is not kind to her. After being unkind the girl left the school and the student who was mean felt regret. It is not a happy ending like most books but it teaches kids a critical lesson about how treating others has an impact on all.
4.
 Have you filled a bucket today? By Carol McCloud encourages positive behavior to students as the see how rewarding it can be to show kindness to others.

5. 
The Golden Rule by IIene Cooper is about the Golden Rule and what it really means and how to follow it.

6. 
Good people everywhere by Lynea Gillen. This book is about teaching kids how to grow into caring, giving, and grateful people. The illustrations are wonderful and it was the winner of mom's choice award and Teacher's choice.

7. 
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. This story is teaching children that no act of kindness is ever wasted. The lion spares the life of a mouse that he planned to eat and by the end of the story his act of kindness proves to be a good thing.

8. 
A sick day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead. This book is about a zookeeper  who got sick and the animals that he takes care come to help him and show him kindness.

9. 
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson. This book is about how good deeds can start a chain reaction of good deeds. This is a great book to read to students grade Kindergarten to 2nd grade.

10. 
Kindness is cooler, Mrs. Ruler by Margery Cuyler. This one is about a teacher who asked her students to stay in from recess to teach them about kindness. This book proves that kids of all ages can make a difference!

These books all teach kindness to students. Students need to understand what it means to be kind and make connections between text and themselves, others, and the world.

Word Wall

how word walls will be used in my classroom and writing impact what I want to do as a teacher.
As a teacher I will use a word wall for students names, new vocabulary words, no excuse words, and even use it to incorporate words that go with our lessons. I will use it each week and I will not move it. I think students learn best to use a resource that is never moved because then it is stuck in their memory and at some point they may be able to visualize it without looking. I think using the strategy "Flashlight Fun" with the students to review words on the word wall would be a great way to keep the students excited and willing to learn.

Teaching Language Arts-Strands

It is important for teachers to understand the five different strands of language arts because it is essential for them to comprehend in order to teach it appropriately. One thing that is important for all students is to learn how to read, listen, write, and speak. Once a teacher understands how important it is to get all five strands into a days lesson plan the easier it will be to teach students the correct way to accomplish those task such as writing. Teachers need to know how to read, write and speak correctly so they should understand the full expectation of students needing to know how to do the same. Without all of these components of language arts where would the world be today? We wouldn't have teachers, doctors, or even journalist if people couldn't read, write, listen, or speak publicly.