Take Social Action and VOTE!

Title: VOTE!
Author and Illustrator: Eileen Christelow
Social Justice Element: #6 Taking Social Action

VOTE! is a how-to book on voting; it talks about what voting is, why, how, what and where you do it. It's a great book for children to get a good first lesson on voting because although it is mainly about political elections, it relates to simpler things to vote on like a family voting on which puppy they want to buy. This makes it a very relatable book for children of young ages.  In the back of the book there is even a glossary, more information about political parties and a timeline on voting. This book represents the 6th element of taking social action because voting is a fantastic approach to taking social action and has quite a bit to do with most things involving taking social action.

Ideally, I would use this book on Election Day in a 2nd or 3rd grade classroom. We would use this book for a read aloud to briefly talk about election day and what is involved in the process. This is a great way to make use of your reading lesson for the day because you can still teach about Election Day without taking away from the content areas. After reading the book we would have a vote on whether we should write a reaction to the story or do vocabulary from the story (from the words in the glossary). 

If you want to learn more about this book and/or purchase it, you can do so here!

One

Author / Illustrator: Kathryn Otoshi
Grade Level: K - 2



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Resources

Summary:

One by Katheryn Otoshi is a colorful tale about standing up for what is right, even when everyone else is afraid to do so. Blue is a quiet color, and although he can be a little envious of his colored friends, he is quite happy being himself. There is only one color that can make Blue feel a little blue, and that color is Red. You see, Red likes to pick on Blue, and even though the other colors comfort Blue privately, they would not dare to stand up to Red. Everything changes when someone new appears, and his name is One. One is not just a color, but he is a number too! When Red starts picking on One, One stands up to him. And so it goes, the others colors begin standing up to Red too, and eventually they become numbers. In the end, it is the Blue number six that convinces Red to join the group, and he too becomes a Red number seven. This heartwarming story of friendship and compassion teaches children of all ages that although it may be difficult, it is important to stand up for what is right. In the end, even the worst of enemies can become the best of friends!

Element 5 - Raising Awareness:

One shares the story of Blue, who is constantly being picked on by Red. Although the other colors console Blue in secret, they would never dream of confronting Red. And so it goes, every time Red says something mean, he grows bigger and bigger. And as he grows bigger, he becomes meaner and meaner. Soon, all of colors became afraid of him, and none of them are courageous enough to face him. That is, until One comes along. One is not like the other colors, for he is a number. Not only is he a number, but he is a funny number that makes all the colors laugh. Red does not like this, and he becomes red hot with anger. He tells the other colors to stop laughing, and they do as they are told. However, when Red tells One to stop laughing, One says no.

Soon enough, the other colors start standing up to Red. And then, something magical begins happening. The colors turn to numbers too! Seeing this only causes Red to become angrier and hotter. He races over to Blue and does what he had always done, pick on him. This time, however, Blue stands firm in front of Red and will not back down. Eventually, Blue becomes a blue number six. When Red tries to run Blue over, the other numbers stand in his way. But Blue does not want Red to feel left out, and so One and the rest of numbers decide to include Red, and soon enough, he becomes a Red number 7. Katheryn Otoshi does a phenomenal job of showing readers that it only takes one act of bravery to make a difference, and only one act of kindness to bring everyone together. 

Activity:

I would choose to read this book to my class during National Bullying Prevention Month. I would read this book to my students first, and continue with a follow-up discussion about some important elements in the book. (i.e. what mood or personality each color represents, which color represented the bully, which color(s) represented the victim, who the hero(s) was, etc.) After this discussion, I would read the book aloud to my students once more.

Afterwards, I would ask students to draw the scene from the book that they felt depicted what it means to stand up to a bully. After drawing the scene, I would ask students, using a piece of loose-leaf paper, to write why they feel it is important to do so. Gathering together as a group, we will discuss some of the important scenes that students drew, as well as their responses to my open-ended question.

To complete this lesson, together as a class we will create an anti-bullying pledge that incorporates the title of the book. (i.e. I will stand up to bullying. I will treat others how I want to be treated. Even if I am the only ONE, it is my responsibility to stand up for what is right.)

Using the drawn scenes from the book, the responses to my question, and our classroom anti-bullying pledge, I will create a bulletin board outside of my classroom to show others in the school that my students will not tolerate bullying.

Faraway Grandpa

Author: Roberta Karim

Illustrator: Ted Rand

Grade Level: K-3

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Resources: Tolerance , Ageism, and Alzheimer's




Summary: Faraway Grandpa is a heartwarming story about the unbreakable bond between a young girl and her grandfather during the early 20th century. The two families live far apart from one another and they write letters in order to stay in touch. Every summer the granddaughter and her parents travel to visit Grandpa. Unfortunately, on their last trip to Grandpa’s house, he has trouble remembering things.

Element 2- Respect for Others: The young girl notices the changes in her grandfather’s actions and his inability to always remember their special traditions, and yet she does not let it change their relationship. The granddaughter continues to treat her grandpa with the same love and respect even when everyone else begins to act differently towards him because of his illness. Grandpa is actually able to remember things a lot more clearly when his granddaughter is around because of her unwavering support and encouragement.

Activity:  It is imperative for students to realize that everyone deserves respect and a meaningful life; no matter their age, ability, or background. Students should be aware that seniors should not be looked upon as burdens but as individuals full of wisdom and life stories to share. Faraway Grandpa reminds us that children too have the ability to teach others and make the world a better place. I would have my class write letters to and/or visit senior citizens, allowing for the exchange of knowledge and experiences from one generation to another.

Element 5

What Do You Do With An Idea? 

Written by Kobi Yamada 

&

Illustrated by Mae Besom 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-do-you-do-with-an-idea-kobi-yamada/1117006312

What Do You Do With An Idea?, by Kobi Yamada, is a great story to highlight the importance of following through with the things that you believe in. In this case, we follow a little boy who is seemingly burdened by an idea. As the story progresses, he comes to realize that he can nurture and play with his idea. Thus, helping it to grow and turn into something amazing. Along the way he faces some challenges; He worries what others think of his idea. However, he comes to understand that it does not matter; It is his idea. Therefore, he can make his idea into anything he wants. Finally, his idea is set free and we see his world change for the better. Hence, in order to follow through with an idea, children need guidance and a push in the right direction. 

What Do You Do With An Idea, certainly represents Element 5 of the Six Elements of Social Justice. In other words, important themes can be introduced through the use of a short story like this one. More specifically, the importance of raising awareness. Like the boy in the story, feeling passionately about something helps one become an advocate. While What Do You Do With An Idea is very whimsical and up for interpretation, I feel it is the perfect way to help young children have faith in themselves; To help them realize it is okay to have new and different ideas. Further, that it is so important for them to let their ideas out. In doing so, they are being a predecessor for action; helping those around them become comfortable to raise awareness as well. 

In order for the action to occur, there are a few ways to use this text. First off, this text can be used for children as young as preschool age, but all the way up to around the fourth grade. This silly, inventive story can be spun to fit a plethora of content areas, lessons, and units. When using this text in a lesson, I would likely start with an anticipatory set. In doing so, I can introduce the idea of raising awareness in a subtle manner. While subtle, I am a believer in beginning certain lessons with little connection to the overall goal or theme. While unorthodox, I feel that doing this helps students think outside of the box; they are not being restricted to a specific question or topic. Further, their initial ideas and thoughts will be authentic; exactly what I'd be looking for when dealing with this element.  
I would likely link this to a social studies lesson. For example, if my students are in the middle of learning about immigration, I can carry this concept over into their literacy lesson. I will use What Do You Do With An Idea and the information I would have presented to them about immigrants coming to the land of opportunity. Having them use their background information, I will incorporate the theme of making a change; taking an idea and following through with it. Just like the uncountable individuals who migrated to America in search of a better life. In doing so, I am linking two content areas and more importantly incorporating Element 5. What Do You Do With An Idea is the perfect starting point for further exploration into ideas they have. This can be turned into a project for my students. The possibilities are endless. 

The following are two great resources that can be used alongside the story. They can enhance a read aloud or take htis concept further, into other content areas. 

http://www.safetolearn.com/resource-examples-of-lessons-plans-based-around-what-you-do-with-an-idea.html

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/What-Do-You-Do-With-An-Idea-1943107

Hands Are Not For Hitting

“Hands Are Not for Hitting”

Written By: Martine Agassi

Illustrated By: Marieka Heinlen

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Resources for Teachers

Summary: “Hands Are Not For Hitting,” by Martine Agassi is a short story that helps children from ages 0-3 to understand that using their hands to hit or hurt others, is inappropriate. This short story has colorful illustrations of what children can do with their hands other than hitting. The story begins with first reassuring that hands come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Then the book proceeds to inform the students that their cans can do a great deal of things. The book is also interactive because it asks the students, “can you wake yours?” The end of the story also gives advice to parents and caregivers. The book gives suggestions for redirecting frustrated energy, quick tips for reducing anger, and even how to handle a situation where a toddler hit someone. This book is perfect for preschoolers.

Element 5: This book is a great example of how to introduce the 6 Elements of Social Justice to children even in preschool. Element 5 focuses on “Raising Awareness.” This text explains to children that everyone has hands, no matter how different their hands look from one another, and that they can be used for so many different things, but absolutely not for hitting. The story raises awareness on the issue of physical abuse towards others and even bullying. Instead of just having teachers tell their students that hitting is not acceptable, it is also showing the students the things that they can use their hands for instead of hitting. It shows students from such a young age that it is not okay to hit, or be hit and these are lessons that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.

Activity: To incorporate it into my classroom, I would use this book as a read aloud and have children interact the motions stated in the story. I would make sure to show the students all of the colorful pictures to help keep them engaged and interested. After the story I would ask the students what is something that they use their hands for? As a follow up activity, I would have students play with play dough or clay and have them see that their hands can be used in many different ways, and not for hitting. Since this book is for very young children it is important to keep them interested in the topic and support the words we are telling them. We can have a fun classroom activity with the clay and show them that our hands are great tools that we can use and that they should be used for good only.

Emeraldalicious

“Emeraldalicious”

Written and Illustrated by Victoria Kahn

Grade level: K-3

Element 5: Raising Awareness

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Summary: “Emeraldalicious” by Victoria Kahn is about Princess Pinkalicious and her brother, Peter, as they go on a walk in the park.  As they are walking, Pinkalicious breaks her favorite wand and her tiara.  Her and Peter make a new wand out of sticks, vines, and flowers.  The new wand turns out to have magic powers! It flies in the sky and leads them to an old park that is polluted and covered in garbage.  Pinkalicious uses the magic wand to turn the garbage into flowers, a castle, and a throne.  At the end of the story, the wand leaves, but Pinkalicious and Peter are left with seeds that will allow them to continue to make the park beautiful and clean.

Element 5- Raising Awareness: “Emeraldicious” represents the element of “Raising Awareness” because it raises awareness about pollution contaminating our Earth.  Pinkalicious and Peter see the old park they used to visit and are now shocked to see it looking so dirty.  They take action with the help of the magic wand and make it a beautiful place again.  This book also raises awareness about recycling, as the wand recycles the trash into beautiful things.  It also gives the reader ideas to plant flowers, gardens, and clean up trash.  Readers of this book will become aware of pollution they may see in their own neighborhood and be inspired to clean up and stop polluting the planet. 

Class Activity: I would use this book in my classroom around Earth Day.  I would read the story to the class and have the students draw pictures of beautiful gardens, flowers, or pictures of a clean planet.  We would then share the pictures and come up with ideas as a class on how we can make a difference for the environment.  We might emphasize recycling beginning in the classroom and around the school.  Also, we could organize a class trip to a local park to have a “Clean-up Day” around Earth Day.  

A Long Walk to Water

Title:  A Long Walk to Water

Author:  Linda Sue Park

Grade Level:  5-6

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Resources



Summary:

Based on a true story, A Long Walk to Water tells two stories: one is about an eleven-year-old girl named Nya living in Southern Sudan who walks eight hours a day to fetch water for her family.   The second story is based on the true life of a boy named Salva Dut, who flees his village due to the Sudanese civil war. He spends many years as a refugee and eventually returned to southern Sedan, where he began a movement to dig water wells. This story offers "one hopeful message:  that even in a troubled country, determined survivors may find the future they were hoping for".

Element 5:  Raising Awareness

This narrative can be categorized as an Element 5 text because it raises awareness about the water crisis, since many countries of the world face challenges in obtaining safe, clean water. It gives students a perspective about how scarcity of water affects other parts of the world. Although we don't have that problem in the United States, it doesn't mean that the problem doesn't exist.  When students are given information about a global issue, especially in the form of a narrative, it tends to make them want to take social action to help fight for a good cause. In this case, it raises awareness about the water crisis Sudan faced and makes students feel inclined to help make a difference. They gain a deeper understanding about how important water is in our society.

Activity:

After reading A Long Walk to Water, students (with permission) can help raise awareness about the water scarcity issue by holding a grade-level event and going for a walk through a park. Students can mimic the "journey" that the people of Sudan would take to fetch water for their families by leaving gallons of water at the end of two-kilometers at the park. They can have family members participate in the event if they would like, and after the walk they can write a reflection on how they felt having to walk to so much to retrieve safe, clean water.