Grades K - 5. The qualities of good character are timeless and important in developing good citizens within our schools. Each unit provides a month's worth of interactive lessons that incorporate language arts, mathematics, and creative arts. Lessons also integrate fiction and non-fiction children's books. Units encourage self-expression and are ideal for guidance time or after school programs. Based on National Reading and National Mathematics standards.

Book Titles Included:

 

 

Wise Acres

by George Shannon

There has never been a more bucolic farm than Wise Acres. There the sun always shines, the sky is always blue, and the breezes are always gentle. The inhabitants of the barnyard -- an assortment of busy, caring, and totally off-the-wall farm animals -- pass their days peacefully in song, dance, and storytelling. That is, until something goes wrong. Then the animals cannot resist rushing in to help each other -- with hilarious results. 40 pages.

 

 

The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk . . . and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. 64 pages.

 

 

The Trees of the Dancing Goats

by Patricia Polacco

Trisha loves the eight days of Hanukkah, when her mother stays home from work, her Babushka makes delicious potato latkes, and her Grampa carves wonderful animals out of wood as gifts for Trisha and her brother. In the middle of her family's preparation for the festival of lights, Trisha visits her closest neighbors, expecting to find them decorating their house for Christmas. Instead they are all bedridden with scarlet fever. Trisha's family is one of the few who has been spared from the epidemic. It is difficult for them to enjoy their Hanukkah feast when they know that their neighbors won't be able to celebrate their holiday. Then Grampa has an inspiration: they will cut down trees, decorate them, and secretly deliver them to the neighbors, "But what can we decorate them with?" Babushka asks. Although it is a sacrifice, Trisha realizes that Grampa's carved animals are the perfect answer. Soon her living room is filled with trees -- but that is only the first miracle of many during an incredible holiday season. 32 pages.

 

 

The Quilt Makers Gift

by Jeff Brumbeau

In this enchantingly told original folktale, a wise quiltmaker makes the most beautiful quilts in the world but she will give them only to those who have nothing. When a rich, dissatisfied king insists that she give him one of her quilts, she gives him what seems an impossible task: to give away all he owns. One by one, the king gives away his many possessions, and finds that the more he gives away, the happier he is. Finally, when the king has nothing, the quiltmaker gives him the promised quilt. But he knows that the true reward for his generosity has been the smiles of those he has helped. 48 pages.

 

 

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

by Tomie dePaola

When a killing drought threatens the existence of the tribe, a courageous little Comanche girl sacrifices her most beloved possession -- and the Great Spirit's answer results not only in much needed rain but a very special gift in return.32 pages.

 

 

Mr. Putter & Tabby Walk the Dog

by Cynthia Rylant

When their neighbor Mrs. Teaberry hurts her foot, Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby agree to walk her dog for a week, not knowing what they are in for. They soon discover that Zeke isn’t a dream dog after all. He might even be . . . a nightmare! 44 pages.