Third Grade Students Receive Books
Author: Bob Brastrup, Broadwater County Lions Club
Bob Brastrup
Broadwater County Lions Club
Fifty-eight third-grade Townsend Elementary students were presented the inspirational and encouragement book A for Attitude by the Broadwater County Lions Club. The book, written and illustrated by Australian author Julie Davey, has been translated into at least seven languages and is used by teachers, psychologists, children and parents in at least 14 countries.
Written more than 20 years ago, the book encourages the development of positive attitudes. It contains sections on believing in yourself, overcoming fears, coping with bullies, dealing with anger and many other topics.
One lesson, called “boomerangs”, states: “Your thoughts are boomerangs. In helping others, you help yourself. In hurting others, you hurt yourself. It may not happen today or tomorrow, but sooner or later, the thoughts you put out come back to you – good and not-so-good. Choose to be good to yourself!”
After receiving the book, the students participated in the telephone game, one of the book’s lessons. A statement is whispered into the ear of the first student in the row. That student then whispers what was heard to the next student. This continues until the last student receives the message and reports what was heard. The message received by the last student usually differs greatly from the original message. The book’s lesson on gossip says:
“Before you spread gossip about someone, stop and think how you would feel if someone was talking about you behind your back.
* Would you like your secrets spread around school?
*Is it even true?
* Could it make the other person sad? Would it make them lose friends?
Starting today, you can choose to be a loving, friendly person, or a nosy parker. (Nosy parker is an Australian term for an overly inquisitive person.)
It’s up to you.”
There are also lesson plans for the teachers to use.
This is the seventh year the Broadwater County Lions have presented these books to the third-grade students.
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PhotoCredit: Bob Brastrup
Image 1 Caption: The third-grade students display the books presented to each of them by the Broadwater County Lions.
Photo Credit: Bob Brastrup
