Book “Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson

I stumbled on this book while surfing on internet. I don’t even remember what I was looking for any more.😵 This book was so emotional and touching. Although it can be a little hard for my students (preschoolers), I can’t not introduce this beautiful book to you.

The story is written from a girl’s perspective, whose name is Chloe. One day a new student comes to Chloe’s classroom. The new student, Maya, happens to sit beside Chloe. Maya smiles at her and asks if she wants to play with her many times. But every time, Chloe ignores Maya. One day, the students in the class learn about kindness from their teacher and Chloe gets a hard feeling about her behaviours towards Maya. Chloe regrets but it is already after Maya moves and leaves the school. 

Heart-aching. I was surprised that a children’s book can be this touching. Maybe …… I have those regretting moments and hurtful memories in my heart too, so I feel the same sting as Chloe. 

The story ends just like that. It can be controversial but I like it because that’s our real life. Although we try to live with positive mind, not everything goes in a positive direction always. We don’t always get second chance and some things are irreversible. That’s regret and it is one of many emotions that humans can have, therefore children will experience someday in their lives too. 

Make a Ripple in the Water

I would like to suggest you to try making a ripple in the water with your little one after reading the book. Just like the children did in the book. 

Materials

• Big (or deep) bowl
• Pebbles/marbles

How To

Fill your deep bowl with water.

Don’t touch the bowl for a minute and let the water sit.

When there isn’t any movement in the water, ask your child to think of a time that s/he was kind and talk about it. 

Let your child gently throw a pebble or marble into the bowl and observe the surface of the water. 

It doesn’t make a big ripple but if you look close, you will see a small ripple. 

(This is explained in the book as well.💕) 

“Tiny waves rippled out, away from the stone.

This is what kindness does, Ms. Albert said.

Each little thing we do goes out, like a ripple,

Into the world”

Book “Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson

Learning Goals

✦ Being mindful about one’s own thoughts and actions 

✦ Knowing that each person can make a change (→ GROWTH MINDSET)

✦ Thinking about better behaviours to be a better person

✦ Reflecting on our kind actions and increasing self-esteem

✦ Becoming a mindful person 

I would also recommend to try this “Make a ripple in the water” activity if you go to a pond or lake with your child. Remind your child about the story of this book and the ripple effect of kindness.

I want to end this week’s play with a poem.

This will help your little preschooler understand better the lessons of the book and kindness.

Bonus!

Print this colouring picture and give it to your child. I just want to try everything to help our preschoolers learn things from this book.🙈

Happy learning and quality time!

Teacher Gela 👩🏻🎀