Caldecott Winner: BIG
Refresh your classroom community and promote Self-Love with BIG by Vashti Harrison
Bringing some happy back to the class!
I don’t know about you- but at this point during the long, winter months my students need a refresher in all the community-building- friendship- respect lessons that we hit hard at the beginning of the year.
Everyone begins to get a little tired of each other, too many indoor recesses, and the end of the school year looks VERY-VERY far away.
Enter BIG by Vashti Harrison!!
I was late to the game with Vashti Harrison’s book, BIG. I admit it. I did not read BIG until after it had won the Caldecott on January 22, 2024.
And, boy am I sorry. I ADORE this book. The illustrations are gorgeous (obviously) and the message of self-love is priceless.
In the classroom, we frequently talk to our students about name-calling and being respectful of others. But, I love looking through the lens of self-love.
Teaching children to love themselves for their strengths AND their uniqueness has always been a passion of mine.
Students in a self-loathing rut cannot learn.
While the main character in BIG reminds us of the need to focus on your strengths and to accept and be proud of who you are.
Be proud of ALL of you.
BIG is a must-read in all elementary classrooms, regardless of the age. I would also read this book aloud to early middle schoolers. They definitely need to hear the message.
BIG
Book Activity Packet
I created this new book packet with community building and self-love in mind.
It includes:
- discussion questions to help you engage the students in good conversations.
- individual and group activity that has students focus on self-love, and the positive qualities of their classmates.
- a wall sign so you can use the Heart Activity as a wall display.
- a fun word search.
- and 32 “Would You Rather” cards that can be played anytime. “Would You Rather” is a great community-building activity!
Head on over to my TPT store to purchase your copy!
