2274.5, Resource, Gordon, D. Belita Gordon's 2nd Favorite Mentor Text for Building Character and Supporting School Climate in Fifth Grade

Dr. Belita Gordon has selected another one of her favorite mentor texts for kindergarten that build character and support school climate.  Knowing how to Persist (aka Persistence) is an important life skill. It is necessary for achieving goals and solving problems. The six Mentor Texts in this set introduce students to Persistence and the related traits of Resilience, Stamina, and Flexibility.  In addition, they cover problem-solving strategies and planning.

Persistence is the determination to achieve a goal in spite of difficulties, problems, or delays. The goal may be something to accomplish/achieve or a problem to be solved. Persistence is necessary for success in school and life.

Persisting requires more than “sticking-to-it.” Our students need to also acquire the character traits of resilience, flexibility, and stamina. They need a set of problem-solving strategies:  creating a plan, maintaining focus on the task, monitoring progress in achieving the steps in the plan, knowing when to seek assistance, and making changes when needed. Some plans are complex while others are simple.

Summary Book Background for the Teacher for Catching a Storyfish by Janice N. Harrington

The novel has multiple, intersecting story lines. The grandfather teaches his granddaughter, Keet, to fish and to persist as they try to catch the legendary old catfish, Muddy Joe. Fishing allows them to spend time together and to grow close. Keet knows her grandfather appreciates and believes in her storytelling ability. When she moves to a new school and is mocked for her Southern accent, Keet loses her voice and stops sharing her stories. Her grandfather reminds her there is a “storyfish” inside her that she must catch. He encourages her to keep telling her stories. When he has a stroke, Keet develops a plan to find the “Old Grandpa,” the one before the stroke.  She tells him stories to restore his health. She uses patience (an element of stamina) and tools (stories as bait and as a net to wrap around her grandpa) that she has learned from catfishing. Keet’s teacher recognizes her talent. As Keet works with her grandpa and continues to write stories in class, she becomes an accomplished storyteller and award-winning writer. Her grandfather’s health is restored. The “Old Grandpa” has returned.

The Message for Students

Keet’s story shows persistence, resilience, and stamina. Grandpa’s recovery takes time and Keet has to acquire the inner strength to believe in herself in spite of her classmate’s taunts. She has the support of her family and teachers. 

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