I strive to use “do language” with my students. When I need to get “don’t” out of my system, here are a couple of my favourite books to use near the start of the school year.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
The children love this book for its humor and of course because there is a dinosaur – who doesn’t love a book with a dinosaur. Hopefully you won’t have the problem of a Penelope who is eating her classmates, but the book is a great springboard for discussions on how we should treat our friends in our classroom and our school.
Don’t Laugh at Me
I love this book – also can be read as a song. The publisher indicates ages 6 to 12 for this book, but I have found that my 4- and 5-year-olds understand the message and can relate to the characters. I do take the time to explain the context and meaning behind the non-preferred behaviour that the song explores – a great resource for empathy building with our young people.
Don’t Push the Button
This book is short and sweet but oh so engaging. The main character is tempted to push the button and of course he does. The children love to see what will happen next – a great book to practice the predicting strategy with. If your children like this – check out Bill Cotter’s other Don’t books.
Do you have favourite “Don’t” books I can add to my collection?
Happy Teaching,
Lynda
