Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun

I discovered another wonderful new book this year, Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and lay the foundation for the loving story.  

This book tells the story of Lucy and Ralph.  Lucy is a unique little girl who likes different foods, like toast smeared with ketchup and spaghetti in a hot dog bun.  As a result, Ralph singles her out and teases her.  Lucy's Papa Gino reminds her that everyone has a heart with feelings, but Lucy isn't so sure.  The bullying continues until Ralph has trouble at recess one day.  Will Lucy help him?  Grab this beautifully illustrated book to find out!

The author, Maria Dismondy, has a wonderful Website that has numerous activities which can be used for lessons and enrichment. 

I used two of her activities during my counselor lessons.

For this activity, students are asked to write about a time that they showed courage.  Since writing is an academic focus, it is important for students to practice this skill whenever possible.  

Students were also given the attached bookmark to color.  Since counselor lesson is right after library check-out, these bookmarks can be immediately used.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Muller

Keep Your Friends!

For the primary grades, our focus has shifted to personal and social skills and interactions with friends.  Younger children can have so much difficulty getting along with their peers.  To help them better understand the skills necessary to make and keep friends, I read a wonderful book by Nancy Carlson, How to Lose All Your Friends.

This book's author uses humor to let kids know the way that they should be treating others.  Bullies, tattletales, and grouches are going to have a hard time making and keeping friends in the future.

After reading the book, the kids were asked to complete graphic organizers, identifying ways to make and keep a friend.

This student said being kind, loving, and nice are ways to maintain friendships.  She also said that kids shouldn't bully, call names, or say, "I hate you."

This student suggested being nice, kind, and honest.  She also states that kids shouldn't be grouchy or mean.  They also shouldn't whine or keep all of the cookies to themselves.

Wanted: A True Friend

While searching the internet for some new goodies to use with first and second grade, I discovered a counseling blog,  Music City School Counselor.  There are many lessons and activities that are very helpful.

Inspired by her idea, I had first and second grade students make "Wanted" signs for their true friends.  They were asked to write the traits that their friend should have.  They also illustrated them.  It was a great lesson and we had a great time!

"I want a friend who does not bully.  And I want a friend that treats me like a good friend.  I want a friend that I can trust."

"I want a friend that is nice, honest, helpful, caring, and loving."

I also shared mine with them as an example.  Too bad that my ideal 'friend' is taller than the tree.  The kids thought it was funny!

Happy Thanksgiving!