Kindness is often encouraged as a random act, but this is only a start. Consideration is a step beyond kindness. Consideration is thoughtful or sympathetic regard or respect and being kindly awareness of another’s feelings and circumstances. Consideration is an act in the best interest of others even when no one is around.
Some examples of consideration are parking the car in a way that allows others easy access; welcoming the new neighbor with a plate of brownies; introducing yourself to a visitor at church or to the new student at school; sending a note to a nursing home resident; asking before taking; or giving a coupon you will not use to someone in the grocery store.
The Berenstain Bear books are always good for a laugh and a positive lesson. The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Influence, written by Stan and Jan Berenstain, has Sister Bear following the lead of a new friend like running through the neighbor’s garden and eating Bill’s apples from his tree. Is this really the new friend’s influence or is Sister Bear not thinking of others?
Third-grader Emma’s peaceful life as an only child is disrupted when she has to temporarily share her tidy bedroom with four-year-old Anthony Scarpetto, a bona fide “pain in the patootie.” In Sally Warner’s juvenile fiction book, Only Emma, the main character soon learns that having a little brother around isn’t as bad as she first thought. And, Emma learns to see things through someone’s eyes.
What If Everybody Did That? uses humorous illustrations and answers this question in a child-friendly way to show the consequences of thoughtless behavior. Author, Ellen Javernick, encourages children to consider throwing trash where it shouldn’t be, talking through a library program, or disobeying rules. Definite lessons for today’s world!
Some kids at school are just cool. Then, there are kids that just want to fit in. In The Cool Beans by Jory John, Bean tried to fit in but it just did not feel right. Dressing in his own style and being his own person bring some surprising acts of kindness from his former best friends. With witty wordplay and silly gags, this children’s book is fun with an important lesson.
Brian felt invisible at school. Other students required much of the teacher’s attention. After seeing his classmates tease the new student, Brian wonders if it is better to be mocked or be invisible. Brian gives a note to the new boy who then welcomes Brian into a group for a class project. This project gives Brian an opportunity to shine. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton is a simple, heartfelt
story for the child in isolation but more importantly for the popular kids in class. A valuable resource for classroom discussion!