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Character education is best taught through models. But one look at the headlines of any newspaper should reveal that we, as adults, are failing to provide those models for children. Perhaps picture books can better serve this purpose. But rather than focus upon one of the Six Pillars of Character®, let's focus upon the intended result: Peace.
Make Peace with Yourself
Through picture books we can Make Peace with Ourselves, Make Peace with Each Other, and Make Peace with the World.
Make Peace with Yourself
, by Laurie KellerWhen Mr. Rabbit discovers that the Otters will be his new neighbors, he exclaims, "I don't know anything about otters. What if we don't get along?" That alone is a fabulous conversation starter for students, who are likely to offer many ways that the two animals might disagree, and agree.
Mr. Owl shares an old saying: "Do unto Otters as you would have otters do unto you." This, in turn, leads Mr. Rabbit to wonder, "How would I like otters to treat me?" He decides he would like otters to be friendly, and polite, and honest, and so on, but more importantly, he describes what those words mean to him, and provides many examples.
So while Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners
at first glance seems to be about manners, it's actually about becoming the kind of person you would like others to be. What's surprising and refreshing is that it doesn't come off as preachy, and Laurie Keller's illustrations are simply hilarious.- Extension: Using the traits provided in the book, help students create a "Looks Like, Sounds Like" T-chart for each. We all know that Honesty is important, but what does that look like? How can we see it being practiced? And what does it sound like?
Those Shoes
3 Comments on Making Peace with Picture Books, last added: 2/28/2011
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By: Anastasia Goodstein,
on 5/6/2010
Blog: Ypulse (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Earlier this week in Essentials I expressed my frustration with the negative tone of a New York Times', reg. required, piece on the impact of mobile technology and social networks on young people's ability to function socially IRL. Now that I've had... Read the rest of this post
Great post! I love your blog. As an Early Childhood School librarian, teachers are always looking for great books to teach character traits and manners and such. I will definitely pass this on to my staff as a great resource!
Great post:)Always something to learn:)Thanks:)
What a great list of titles. I'm adding this to the very long list I keep of those I need to share with my kids. Thank you for sharing!