2274.1, Resource, Gordon, D. Belita Gordon's 2nd Favorite Mentor Text for Building Character and Supporting School Climate in First 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 The Adventures of Beekle, The Imaginary Friend by Dan Santant

The imaginary creature Beekle’s wants to be chosen by a child as that child’s special friend. This is his only goal. After waiting for a long time and watching others be chosen, Beekle decides to stop waiting and try something else--going in search of the child. He journeys to the real world where he persists, and looks in different places. He ends up at a playground. When his friend does not come, Beekle gets discouraged but he thinks about how far he has come and how long he has waited. When a little girl appears and asks for help, he realizes she is “just right.” Neither one knows quite what to do to be a friend, but both persist as they figure our how to be friends. 

The Message for Students

Beekle’s problem is a familiar one: he wants a friend. When it does not happen after patiently waiting, Beekle shows readers that when what has worked for others does not work for you, you need to create your own plan. He shows flexibility. He goes in search of his friend in the real world.  Beekle shows the value of resilience and stamina as he persists in spite of obstacles.

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