Character Builders: Books and Activities for Character Education

(Paperback)

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Description

This book by well-known authors Liz Knowles and Martha Smith (Boys and Literacy, Reading Rules!, etc.) fills the need for a K-12 resource for teachers and librarians searching for materials and activity ideas for character education at all grade levels. It consists of 12 chaptersone on each virtue: empathy, respect, courage, humor, responsibility, perseverance, loyalty, honesty, cooperation, tolerance, citizenship, and forgiveness. Each chapter has a listing of related virtues, a definition, several useful famous quotes, listings of people and organizations who have demonstrated the virtue, related topics for further curricular exploration and discussion questions. There is also a complete listing of annotated titles divided into five sections: picture books, primary (gr. 1-3), intermediate (gr. 3-5), middle school (gr. 5-8) and young adult (gr. 8-12). This book by well-known authors Liz Knowles and Martha Smith (Boys and Literacy, Reading Rules!, etc.) fills the need for a K-12 resource for teachers and librarians searching for materials and activity ideas at all grade levels. It consists of 12 chaptersone on each virtue: empathy, respect, courage, humor, responsibility, perseverance, loyalty, honesty, cooperation, tolerance, citizenship, and forgiveness. Each chapter has a listing of related virtues, a definition, several useful famous quotes, listings of people and organizations who have demonstrated the virtue, related topics for further curricular exploration and discussion questions. There is also a complete listing of annotated titles divided into five sections: picture books, primary (gr. 1-3), intermediate (gr. 3-5), middle school (gr. 5-8) and young adult (gr. 8-12). In addition, Knowles and Smith offer lists of other good professional books and Web sites to consult in building your school's character education program. A unique feature of this book is a section in each chapter called, in action in which the authors offer ideas to share with students such as Empathy in action: Be polite in the cafeteria, Be kind and helpful to those with mental and physical challenges, Share your supplies with those who have none. Grades K-12.

Reviews

Two media specialists at a Florida school recommend 600 books for every grade level that teach empathy, respect, courage, responsibility, perseverance, loyalty, honesty, cooperation, tolerance, citizenship, and forgiveness. The bibliographic entries summarize the plot of each book and are arranged into picture books, grades 1-3, grades 4-6, middle school, and young adult. Most of the titles are relatively recent works. * Reference & Research Book News *
With the adoption of a character education program by many school districts, teacher-librarians need lists of recommended resources and activity ideas provided by reputable sources, Liw Knowles and Martha Smith who wrote the well-regarded Boys and Literacy and Literacy Rules!, fill this need with this comprehensive resource, which is suitable for both elementary school and high school.[t]he authors provide lists of professional books and web sites to consult in building a character education collection to support this program. Highly recommended. This book is a must-buy if your school has a character education program. If your school does not have a character education program, this well-researched, well-organized, and well-written book is a useful collection development tool that will assist in selecting books on these themes. * Teacher Librarian *

Author Bio

Elizabeth (Liz) Knowles has served many years as Director of Professional Development and Curriculum at a large private school in south Florida and is currently a freelance writer and curriculum consultant. Martha Smith received her undergraduate degree in Library Science from Eastern Michigan University and a master's degree of education in Library Science from the University of South Florida. Martha has been a media specialist for over 20 years in the Pre-K through 8th grade setting and is currently serving as Library Media Specialist at Pine Crest School, Boca Raton, Florida.