Reach Out and Give

by Cheri J. Meiners, Meredith Johnson (Illustrator)

Overview

Even very young children can help to make the world a better place. This book begins with the concept of gratitude, because feeling grateful is a powerful motivator. Words and pictures show children contributing to their community in simple yet meaningful ways. Includes discussion questions, a philanthropy role-play, generosity games, and ideas for service projects.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575422046
Publisher:	Free Spirit Publishing, Inc.
Publication date:	04/15/2006
Series:	Learning to Get Along Series
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	414,281
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.15(d)
Lexile:	AD320L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., has her master’s degree in elementary education and gifted education. A former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. Cheri and her husband, David, have six children. They live in Laurel, Maryland.

Editorial Reviews

Winner, Carol D. Reiser Book Award—Awarded to the book that most effectively inspires community service and volunteerism in children.

From the Publisher

One of the titles in the “Learning to Get Along” series, this book with its barely larger than normal format shares a larger-than-life approach to giving. Adding to this “larger” approach is the adequately sized text (larger letters than one often sees with this much text on the page). It seems purposeful and appropriate. With all that “largeness” combined, I found myself with the distinct impression that this was an important topic. Sprinkled on every page are examples of how children can learn to be givers and take initiative to help others. Many different ages and ethnicities are represented. The book, too, illustrates a variety of situations in which helping can happen. It honestly and thoroughly addresses the issue in a format that is kid-friendly; no “preachy” approach here. The author, a former first grade teacher with a masters in gifted education, provides a wealth of questions and “generosity” activities at the end of the book to help solidify and reinforce the concepts of gratitude, gratefulness, and giving. Although the publisher identifies this as an “early childhood” (which may translate to preschool for some people) social skills text, I believe it could also be valuable for students in the early years of elementary school. Reviewer: Cathy Puett Miller

Children's Literature