Throwback Thursday

Going along with the theme of bullying, feelings and social skills I wanted to share a book that I just found last year, but has been around a lot longer, that I think is really great for reading in classrooms and at home.

We all know that when we see a child doing something they are not supposed to we often hear the excuse, "So and so did it why can't I?" Well here is where the book If Everybody Did by Jo Ann Stover comes in very handy.

The book starts out defining the difference between somebody (when there's only one) and everybody (when there's one and one and one...).  Then it starts giving examples of when somebody does something and everybody does something.  It is neat because the text is set up where the question is on the left side and the repeated phrase, "This is what would happen if everyone did" is on the right side.  Both are accompanied by a picture that tells the tale.

Here are some of my favorites:

The book ends with going back to each of the situations and showing what would happen if everybody did the opposite like: shutting the door, trying not to cry, going to bed.  Why, if everyone did the right thing we would all be happy!

I think this is a great throwback to share with kids now because the use of the illustrations make the concept of doing the right thing very concrete.  It would be very easy to connect this book to bullying and add pages like what is everybody pushed to get in line or what if everybody called names.  Ask the children you are reading this book to to come up with their own idea and illustrations to go with it.

We need to take all the opportunities we have to teach our children how to do the right thing and why it is important.  Take the time to read this with your child and talk about right and wrong- it could leave a lasting impression on them.

Happy Reading!
Laura