Books That Heal Kids: team work

Showing posts with label team work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label team work. Show all posts

Book Review: The Golden Acorn

Author/Illustrator: Katy Hudson

From the Book Jacket: Squirrel loves to win. And for the past eight years, she has won the Golden Acorn Hung - on her own. But this year the event is for teams only. Squirrel is the fastest animal in the forest, and a team will just slow her down. However, she doesn't have an option. Will Squirrel's poor attitude make her lose the race and her friends? Winning isn't everything as proven in this picture book about friendship, teamwork, and forgiveness. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a fantastic book about putting your friends and their feelings FIRST.....instead of having to always win and be first. This is a skill all kids need to work on and be aware of. If we are being overly competitive the results can actually be a huge loss in our lives. The loss of friendship and respect of those around you. This is the PERFECT book on competitiveness and teamwork. I highly recommend!

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Book Review: Too Tall Houses

Author/Illustrator: Gianna Marino
Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Owl and Rabbit are good friends and neighbors and live happily in two small houses next to each other...UNTIL Rabbit's garden grows a little too tall and blocks Owl's view. Now Owl isn't so happy. Maybe building a bigger house will solve the problem. But now Rabbit isn't happy. Maybe building his house taller will be the solution. And before long, there are two very tall houses and two very unhappy neighbors. What will it take to make them friends again?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book could not have come at a better time. I am doing some reteaching with grades K-2 on solving problems. Owl and Rabbit are a great example of what happens when you argue and fight. They are also very stubborn and won't give in because each wants their way and wants to be right. They try and one up each other by building their houses taller and taller....which was a great metaphor for how big they are making the problem.

It has a very cute ending showing a fixed friendship and a solution at work. The moral of the story is it's a huge waste of time to involve yourself in negative behavior when faced with a problem - it only makes things worse and results in the loss of a friend. This generation needs LOTS of conflict resolution encouragement. Great book.

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Book Review: The Land of Many Colors

Written by the Klamath County YMCA Family Preschool
Illustrated by Rita Pocock
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: A simple message of peace and respect for differences is the theme of this book written by children for children. When the purple people, the blue people, and the green people begin fighting and hurting each other, they are reminded that although they have different feelings and like different things, they can still be friends.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There are some books I enjoy reading....and then there are ones I REALLY enjoy reading like The Land of Many Colors. "Can't we all just get along?" Remember that famous quote? Well, sometimes I feel that way in an elementary school setting! We've got a lot of peace and harmony flowing through our school, but once in awhile a group of students will sort of become exclusive. That's when I'm reminded of how important books are and as cheesy as this sounds....they can save the world gosh darn it! I am so grateful for this simple, yet powerful, story. I have been able to do A LOT with this book. It promotes diversity, differences, friendship, and team work. Favorite part of the story is when the different colors are confronted by a little child all covered in dust and shouts, "STOP!" I ask the students why he/she is covered in dust. Oh my goodness, I love the responses. This is a heart and mind opener. GET IT.

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Book Review: Problems With Pete The Pencil And Eddie The Eraser

Written and illustrated by 3rd grade students of Kingsland Elementary School in Spring Valley, Minnesota
Interest Level: Ages 5-11

About This Book: Big problems ensue for a little boy named Bradly when Pete the Pencil and Eddie the Eraser begin to disagree about who is more important! Bradly is excited when his mother brings home a new package of pencils. The next day at school, problems start. The pencil and the eraser start fighting. They erase Bradly's work, put holes in it, etc. which gets Bradly in a lot of trouble with his teacher and his parents. This is a humorous book that reminds us about the importance of getting along. This children's story is written by the third-grade students of Kingsland Elementary School in Spring Valley, Minnesota.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I nabbed this little gem at the school book fair a couple of years ago. It has never failed me on the importance of team work, respect, and problem solving. Arguing is a lose-lose situation for all involved. This book sends that message loud and clear. Plus, it's funny and engaging. Using pencils and erasers as props is also a hit with the kids. Problems With Pete The Pencil And Eddie The Eraser is written by a third grade class, the students find it inspiring that other kids are taking on social issues through writing. Very cool.

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