We Are Gentle : We Don't Hurt Others
The golden rules series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Miss Beanie is shocked to find her whole class rolling around on the floor in a heap. She tells them that unless they can be trusted to be gentle with one another, their friend Alfred Alligator, who has injured his tail, will not be able to return to school.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
25 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you feel when someone is gentle with you?
Can you think of a time when being gentle helped solve a problem?
Why is it important to not hurt others?
How can we show gentleness to people who are different from us?
What are some ways you can be gentle with your friends at school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, explain the meaning of 'gentle' and why it's important in simple terms your child can understand.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Encourage your child to share personal experiences where gentleness made a difference.
Reinforce the message by praising examples of your child being gentle during daily activities.
After reading, brainstorm together about ways to practice gentleness every day.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The book showcases characters who express understanding and share feelings with one another, creating a nurturing environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with compassion, aiding in their social and emotional development.
Example Lesson: Respect
Explanation: Characters in the story consistently demonstrate respect through polite actions and words towards each other, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone kindly.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children to interact respectfully with peers and adults, fostering harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Conflict resolution
Explanation: The book illustrates peaceful ways of resolving disagreements among the characters, highlighting the effectiveness of communication and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these strategies in real-life conflicts, learning to resolve disputes without resorting to aggression.
Example Lesson: Importance of non-violence
Explanation: The narrative reinforces the message that problems should not be solved through hurting others physically or emotionally.
Real-World Application: This promotes a safer and more peaceful community as children learn to eschew violence in their interactions.