Books for Teaching about Making Good Choices

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From Unit Plan: I Have a Voice

The following books are helpful for teaching students the importance of individuality when making good choices and not succumbing to peer pressure.

The Big Orange Splot by D. Manus Pinkwater
Mr. Plumbean decides to paint his house every color of the rainbow-much to the neighbors' dismay.

Classroom Tip: This book introduces the concept of accepting individuality.

Dork in Disguise by Carol Gorman and Carol Guise
The new kid in town finds himself tangled in a complicated web of lies when he decides to change his personality in an effort to “fit-in.”

Classroom Tip: Read at the end of the lesson to further students' understanding of peer pressure and making good decisions.

Hunters Best Friend at School by Laura Malone Elliott; illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
Best friends Hunter and Stripe are inseparable until Stripe begins to get into mischief. Will Hunter follow?

Classroom Tip: Encourage students to read this book independently during this unit.

The Meanest Thing to Say by Bill Cosby; illustrated by Varnette Honeywood
Little Bill shows the new boy in town that saying mean things to others may not be the best way to make friends.

Classroom Tip: Use this book as a Read Aloud during the Anticipatory Set to illustrate the importance of making good decisions.

Ruby mono ve, mono hace by Peggy Rathmann
Ruby insists on copying Angela, until her teacher helps her discover her own creative resources.

Classroom Tip: This book helps students learn the importance of being an individual.

Printz Award Winners
The Printz annual book award is granted to for literary excellence in young adult literature. These moving, sometimes funny titles often explore tough subjects. This list of Printz award winners will show your teen the power of a good book.

The Back to School WEB
Almost everybody is nervous about the first day of school, but for elementary school students moving up into middle school, that new world can look mighty big and scary. My school is part of a program called W.E.B (Where Everybody Belongs).

Books for Teaching About Our Homes and Neighborhoods
This teacher created book list includes tips for classroom use.