Category: Teacher Resources

“Words Are Not for Hurting”: Teaching Children to Be Kind with Their Words

“I don’t like you.”

“You talk funny.”

“Your hair looks weird.”

These days some children use their words to cause pain. They throw around harsh syllables strung together with absolute thoughtlessness. They are exposed to a barrage of media and other mediums that make them believe it is okay to spit out whatever they wish, without taking any responsibility for the consequences their words may have. They are not taught otherwise, so really, how can we blame them?

Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick does a fantastic job of laying down the law around how to use words to help and not hurt. This book is essential in Kindergarten classes and homes of 4 year-olds everywhere. This culture of being rude and unkind willy-nilly is an epidemic that needs to be curbed. As teachers, often we are in very influential positions when it comes to how our students grow up. We can steer them towards being respectful and considerate, generous and tactful. And while it is important for students to learn the basics of Math and Science and Reading, it is more important for them to learn how to be good citizens of the world.

In her book, Verdick systematically charts out how words are formed, with letters, and then maps out what kinds of words there are, then seamlessly seguing into hurtful words versus kind words. She offers scenarios to explore feelings and play out different alternatives to addressing the pain caused by hurtful words. This book makes for a clever read-and-think-aloud. Students will pick up poignant details in the illustrations that display body language and facial expressions showing a range of emotions. They will bounce off ideas and deliver very clever and sensitively-thought-out reflections that will warm your heart, because really, there is goodness in all of us that just needs a firm foundation to build on.

So, add this book to your list of MUST-HAVE read-alouds, if you’re a kindergarten or even higher grade teacher. Sometimes, we all just need a little guidance to be a better version of ourselves.

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Helaine Becker: ‘Ode to Underwear’ Star

So, I organized an author visit at school today. It was the perfect Spring day for a very lively author with a lot of funnies up her sleeve. And Helaine Becker delivered. Born in the United States and now calling Canada her home, this eccentric and easy-to-get-along-with author gave both teachers and students something to chew on. Ms. Becker delivered a very thoughtful and interactive presentation on the merits of the writing process and how the following elements are fundamental to any good writing. Teachers everywhere, take note!

  1. Good punctuation, so your audience can understand with clarity what it is you are saying.
  2. Good writing techniques, such as rhyme and alliteration to create interest in the content and keep the work flowing well.
  3. Good use of rich vocabulary. Helaine stressed that a rich vocabulary comes from a lot of reading. Reading anything, anytime and anywhere. Cue “I told you so” from book-lovers everywhere…
  4. Good descriptive words to allow your audience to paint a vivid image of the world you are creating for them. “Lovely weather, eh?” vs. “Have you checked out this colourful Spring day with blossoming buds and delicious cool air all around?”
  5. Revise. Revise. Revise. Any author or blogger, or writer of any sort knows this to be the trick of the trade. You can’t publish something you hammered out in seconds and haven’t proofread. It just isn’t done.

Author of over 70 different genres of books (adventure books, humour books, quiz books, science books, fact books) spanning various reading levels (picture books, chapter books, junior novels), Ms. Becker is an award-winning writer and for good reason! Her books are dazzlers! Which is why NOT buying her books was not an option. Below, 3 of Becker’s titles that are a must-have if you’re a primary teacher (Grades K-3).

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This book is particularly classy because it is a treasure trove of poetry that young kids can have fun reading and performing. Replete with humour, rhythm and well-imagined characters, this is a good choice when introducing your students to the genre of poetry. Best for: Grades 1-4
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What a fantastic Canadian version of this timeless Christmas rhyme! You’ll find a mention of all things Canadian: Mounties, Beavers, Loons, and yes, even the Toronto Maple Leafs! Best for: Grades K-2
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This is my favourite title from the selection! In a hilarious bid to make you appreciate your underwear, Becker does the unthinkable, she exposes the tush-covering fabric! Best for: Grades K-2

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