This year, we started off the year with a school-wide reading to mark International Literacy Day - September 8, 2010. A good story sparks good conversations and Kathryn Otoshi’s book, One, did exactly that! In the book, one character named Blue feels left out and picked on by another student named Red. At last, one student stands up for Blue in front of Red and that turns the story around. In the end, the characters learn that it is better to be nice and not to be mean or bully others because no one wants to feel left out. The book was a great way to start a conversation about how we all need to cooperate and think about how others feel in order to have a supportive school community. The children worked together as a class, small groups, or with book buddies to come up with a statement that reflected what the book was about. They came up with various “It just takes ONE” quotes.
“It just takes ONE to give confidence.”
It just takes ONE to have courage.”
It just takes ONE to help others.”
It just takes ONE to be a good friend.”
There is a display near the office that shows the thoughtful and insightful quotes that came out of the conversations our students had about the effects of bullying, cooperation, and the joy we can find in our school community. As the year continues, we will be working on ways to make our school even better by working together. And to think, it all started with a reading of a book… one really good book.
4 comments:
OMG I LOVE THAT BOOK!! I've read it church several times and have had TONS of parents ask to borrow it and my kiddos Love it too. I'm so happy when someone eles has read 'One' too!!!
Wow, I love how your school starts the year right off by an event cross the entire school community. How much more important is that than handing out the rules that everyone will follow (in isolation). An inspiring example.
Guess I didn't have to test.This activity sounds a lot like what we were asked to do with each class at my school. Coming up with a code of conduct. One of the essential questions for the code of conduct is: What are the things that you need in this classroom to promote the best environment for learning.We used the word "courage" in our code of conduct, as your students used for their book statement. I love that word, courage and so do the students. I will admit I provided this word for them (from another context) but they love this word. It think it makes them feel heroic, and powerful and special, and I think they need to feel that way.
Sheila,
Thanks for sharing this book with me. I plan on using it with my Civil Rights Team. It sounds like it would be applicable to so many situations with students. You must be a terrific teacher.
Post a Comment