This wonderful nonfiction picture book by Miranda Paul just came out–don’t miss it! It really made me think about the power of a single person. This book is about a woman who makes a tremendous difference in an environmental way.? I took a single line from it (the one about knowing too much) and put it into a totally different situation. I imagined a girl who is not an overt bully, but who is a bully nonetheless. And I thought about her having a kind of revelation when she hears one of her targets crying in the bathroom.
Check out my Pinterest boards of poetryactions and bookalikes if you’d like to see more:>)
8 Responses
I really like the idea of combining your poems and books that can be shared together. I also know that a germ of an idea, a seed, a thought, can generate reactions that are bubbling to be inside and not fully formed. I often wonder how the bully comes to be. I think it has to be learned on some levels. I also know that many kids can be mean and they are not bullies. They are simply trying to understand power and reactions and how they fit in different groups. I love showing how a “mean kid” might have the opportunity to reflect and grow out of meanness. Conversely, I also believe(d) (past tense for when I was actively teaching the same kids) in teaching strength. And how to deal. The old assertive, passive, aggressive behavior trio. But again, I wonder how and why some kids become so aggressive.…I don’t know the research on how much can be traced to the environment and models in their lives. Would that we could all practice kindness.
Such interesting questions, Janet. Yes for kindness. Rebecca Stead’s new book deals with bullying/meanness a lot…
I really like the idea of combining your poems and books that can be shared together. I also know that a germ of an idea, a seed, a thought, can generate reactions that are bubbling to be inside and not fully formed. I often wonder how the bully comes to be. I think it has to be learned on some levels. I also know that many kids can be mean and they are not bullies. They are simply trying to understand power and reactions and how they fit in different groups. I love showing how a “mean kid” might have the opportunity to reflect and grow out of meanness. Conversely, I also believe(d) (past tense for when I was actively teaching the same kids) in teaching strength. And how to deal. The old assertive, passive, aggressive behavior trio. But again, I wonder how and why some kids become so aggressive.…I don’t know the research on how much can be traced to the environment and models in their lives. Would that we could all practice kindness.
Such interesting questions, Janet. Yes for kindness. Rebecca Stead’s new book deals with bullying/meanness a lot…
Laura,
I love that your poetry action poem took you in a total different direction. I especially like the line about bitter thorns. Well done!
Thank you, Linda!
Laura,
I love that your poetry action poem took you in a total different direction. I especially like the line about bitter thorns. Well done!
Thank you, Linda!