655.Resource, Gordon, Kindness Is Cooler: Mentor Text (Grades 3-5)

The theme refers to the skills that are a prerequisite for developing relationships. The skills include effective communication, sharing, teamwork, empathy, respect, generosity and building relationships.

When five students are mean to each other, Mrs. Ruler gives them homework —to perform five acts of kindness for their families. The Acts of Kindness expand to involve the entire class. They practice acts of kindness at home, school, and in the community. Most students find the assignment easy and rewarding; David serves as an example of a child who needs support to learn to be kind. While the characters in the book are kindergarten-age students, the practice of recording and posting kind acts fits older students.

Heart of Georgia RESA teachers may request a free copy of the book to use with their classes by listening to the short VoiceThread about the book, reading a brief handout that includes the ELA standards and suggested strategies for using the mentor text, and completing a request form.