In my classroom I called any book with a lesson, or moral, or insight a wisdom book. As a youngster I yearned for lessons that were beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Nowadays students are taught character-building and emotional intelligence skills as part of the basic curriculum and receive the kinds of wisdom I yearned for in my school years.
With a Master of Arts in Education and many brain-based learning courses over four decades I learned to blend the science of teaching with the art of teaching.
I learned that images engage the brain and create more meaning, so I used picture books to introduce various topics. They sparked interest, motivated learning, and prompted thinking.
I used quotes from books to instigate lively discussions, and writing with heart, aka writing with ‘voice.’ They introduced points to ponder for the students’ own highly individualized curriculum in life.
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”
– Emilie Buchwald
“For many children and their parents,
there’s no activity more cherished than
snuggling together with a good book —
and there’s no reason such read-aloud sessions
need to end once children have moved
beyond picture books!
Not only does reading together with older children
provide wonderful bonding time, but as the content
of books grows increasingly complex, it provides
excellent opportunities for discussing
any number of topics with your children.”
– A Mightly Girl
Social-Emotional Traits Untested & Very Important in Life
Creativity Resilience Motivation Persistence Curiosity Humor Endurance Empathy Reliability Enthusiasm Self-Awareness Self-Discipline Compassion Asking Questions Critical Thinking Resourcefulness Leadership Spontaneity Humility Courage Sense of Beauty Sense of Wonder
Civic-Mindedness Gratitude