Jeremy longs for the popular tennis shoes worn by many of his classmates, but his grandmother insists he doesn’t need them. In “Those Shoes", author Maribeth Boelts explores the themes of generosity, friendship and the difference between needs and wants.
Literature Guide...
In this book, Sonia and her friends share what is unique about each one of them as they work together to plant a garden. It is their differences that make the garden diverse and beautiful. The reader is invited to consider how they interact with the world and the ways they are different from...
In “Hey, Little Ant,” a boy comes across an ant and is faced with the choice of squishing the ant or not. This rhyming book explores the very different perpectives of a boy and the ant he is about to squish. They debate the merits of each creature's life through humor and empathy....
We all recognize that every child is born to be uniquely themselves, but we also recognize the call to conform and minimize differences. This book challenges children (and maybe adults too) to embrace the many ways we can all be our best selves. Every child is...
When Stella loses pleasure in her classwork, she takes us “through the cracks” of a classroom and shows what is happening to all of the students who are not interested and engaged in their learning. We visit classrooms where students are actually learning because their emotional,...
This resource guide was designed by a Detroit-area educator with the goal of guiding educators with two citizenship themes: building a caring community and social justice in a diverse country. The resource includes video, literature guides, discussion starters, activities, and lessons intended to empower youth voice and guide them to a service project of interviewing someone and sharing their story of generosity.
Names carry weight. Our name and where we are from is a large part of what makes us who we are. Many times a name is said wrong or shortened to make pronouncing it easier for us, but for the other person it feels as if we are dismissing them. The book is written by a Muslim author and features a child with a name that is difficult to pronounce that means "excellent guidance."
Jorge is learning English. He wants to be like the other boys and girls in his class, while also being true to his Latinx culture. Jorge’s journey is very similar to a lot of children migrating to the United States. Jorge’s point of view invites others to see the value in...
Ignite meaningful action that lights up the world through "Service Sparks" youth projects! Have fun making creative art from natural or recycled items. Give the art to someone to brighten their day.
Ignite meaningful action that lights up the world through "Service Sparks" youth projects! Learn about plants that grow in your area and the best growing conditions, then grow something from seeds and give the plant to cheer someone's day.
