News of a guest coming to read a book is always cause for excitement to Golden Hill’s kindergartners. But the latest read-aloud was delivered by the most unimaginably cool readers: three seniors from Seward!
In a reading exchange conceived by elementary Principal Deborah Lisack and Seward teacher Darlene Chevrier, seniors Jenna Greenhill, Alexa Roach and Kaiden Warner shared three fun reads illustrating the themes of cooperation, respect and personal responsibility.
Kindergartners were excellent listeners and offered many good ideas for acting responsibly in school and at home, showing respect to their peers and adults in their lives, and working together, listening to each others’ ideas.
In addition to the school’s focus on encouraging a lifelong love of reading, these themed read-alouds are an opportunity to engage students in social emotional learning (SEL).
In the week ahead, following the Presidents’ Day closure, SEL will be integrated in the school’s celebration of Kindness Week.
Books shared with the kindergarten classes
Ask your child which book was read to their class and what they talked about with their very cool, visiting reader:
“Swimmy” by Leo Leonni
Swimmy is the sole survivor of an encounter between a school of small fish and a tuna. When he meets a new group of his kind hiding among the rocks, he is determined to hatch a plan so they can safely explore their world. This visually rich, life-affirming book teaches kids that relationships matter.
“Not Friends” by Rebecca Bender
Giraffe and Bird are not friends. The bird pesters the giraffe with his face-making, feather-pruning, and disgusting eating habits. The giraffe annoys the bird with his bad breath, ear-swatting, and lack of respect for personal space. Of course they are always fighting. Of course they would be better off without each other. Except, it turns out, maybe they wouldn’t be.
“But It’s Not My Fault” by Julia Cook
Elementary school kids will identify with Noodle as he makes one excuse after another for his behavior and choices that lead to unwanted consequences. By learning to accept responsibility he finds instead how to use mistakes as opportunities for problem-solving and to turn negatives into positives.