Gracie

Summary

An educator reflects on the impact of a carefully chosen Read Aloud book, "Gracie," on her students and the importance of teaching kindness, with a special thanks to John Spiers for his contribution.

Abstract

On a significant day of remembrance and mourning, a teacher took time off to honor a personal commitment made four years prior to instill the value of kindness in her students. She meticulously selects her Read Aloud books, and the recent addition of "Gracie" proved to be particularly resonant. The book's message, emphasizing that one is "so much more than good enough," struck a chord with both the teacher and her students. The teacher, Mrs. Levine, recognizes the social-emotional needs of her students, especially those facing challenges in reading. The introduction of "Gracie" to her classes was met with enthusiasm, and a meaningful interaction with a student solidified the book's impact. An unexpected gift related to the book's content further enriched the learning experience, reinforcing the teacher's efforts to foster kindness and self-worth among her students.

Opinions

The teacher believes in the transformative power of kindness and its importance in education.
She values the emotional and social growth of her students alongside academic learning.
The teacher has a deep appreciation for John Spiers, whose work has supported her in fulfilling her promise to teach kindness.
She places significant emphasis on the selection of Read Aloud books, viewing them as tools for conveying important life messages.
The teacher is attentive to her students' responses, using their feedback to gauge the effectiveness of her teaching materials.
The gift received at the end of the week was seen as a validation of the book's relevance and the teacher's approach to education.

We Love You

a photo of our newest Read Aloud

On Monday, February 14, I took off work. It’s a day to remember. It’s a day to mourn.

Four years ago, I made a promise. To teach my students what kindness looks like. To show my students that kindness matters. To love them and listen to them and show them that they matter.

Thank you, John Spiers — for helping me keep this promise. Kindness looks like you.

I choose my Read Alouds very carefully. On Tuesday, February 15, I read aloud a picture book I had planned for weeks before Peep! arrived in the mail. Wednesday, I had an all-day RTI meeting so Thursday would be the day that I eagerly introduced my students to their new book, a small chapter book. We would read one chapter a day.

They smiled.

I read chapter one when the book first arrived on my doorstep. And when I came to this one line, I grabbed a yellow colored pencil and highlighted it.

“You are so much more than good enough.”

As soon as I heard those words, I knew that this was the book I was looking for.

I understand the social-emotional needs of my students. I know that for those who come to me, learning to read has been a bit of a struggle.

On Thursday, I finished reading to my fourth group. Everyone loved meeting Gracie and Bessie, eager to read chapter 2 the next day.

Then, my fifth group arrived. When I read aloud, “You are so much more than good enough,” a student asked, “Why did you highlight that?” I answered, “Because I love that line.”

He then said, in a very strong voice, “I love that line too Mrs. Levine.”

On Friday morning, I received an email that I needed to cancel all my groups, to sub for a third-grade class. Our schools are closed on Monday, so I will (hopefully) see my students on Tuesday. I know they will be eager to listen to chapter 2.

By the time I came home on Friday, I was very tired, but before I came inside I checked my mailbox, and I am so glad that I did. Inside — a most wonderful surprise.

Gracie

We Love You

Thank you, John Spiers — for helping me keep this promise. Kindness looks like you.

“You are so much more than good enough.”

A beautifully illustrated card, a letter on the back, and feathers.