Curriculum Connections
AIMS and GOALS (mainly K-3; but also some 4-8)
- ask questions to move students to a deeper understanding of self
- students become more knowledgeable about themselves and others in a deep and meaningful way by discussing personal experiences
- address ideas and issues students need to think about
- discussion to help children believe in their own self-worth and feel they have control over things that happen to them
- develop a sense of self and connection to family
- understand the diverse needs and wants of others
- share what makes their family special and realize families are similar and different
- use language as a necessary tool for thinking and communicating effectively
- make meaning of ideas received
- develop an understanding of how language works
- develop social responsibility through discussion of choices
- participate, contribute, and make connections beyond the classroom
STRATEGIES
In Search of a Smile that Stays
- ask students which illustrations they like
- ask students what makes them smile; discuss answers and note similarities to understand self and others
- discuss vocabulary and explain meaning, e.g., forlorn, preposterous, ponder, wombat, elusive
- page 1: discuss why a smile is a "way of life..."
- make a list of what a person can do to have a good day and keep smiling (page 29)
- page 31: discuss emotions a student may feel; ask if it is a choice to remain angry, sad, frustrated, etc.
- page 31: discuss what effect it has to smile back to someone
- homework: have students ask their parents and
siblings what makes them smile
- artwork:
- draw
and color a picture of what makes them smile
- older
students (grades 4-8) work in pairs or groups. Use each individual smile idea
to draw one cohesive, creative picture. Brainstorm, collaborate and compromise. Consider writing a children's story.
- draw
and color a picture of what makes them smile
- role play or charades: activities that make you
smile
- teachers of autistic or second language children use this book effectively to promote
discussion about personal experiences
Thank You for Bringing Me
- discuss favorite activities children do with
parents
- discuss when parents were “too busy”
- older students: Discuss the illustrations and
what you think they mean
- role play scenarios: ask an adult to play, adult gives excuses, child learns to convince
- art work: draw a favourite activity done with an
adult; display and discuss