Letting Books Teach Through Messages

This week I was reminded that children's literature has valuable lessons to teach students in such fun ways!  The teacher asked me to choose material that taught students the value of taking turns and learning to be patient and gracious while you are waiting.  I read, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse with the students.  This is an excellent book about a little girl who gets a purple purse that plays music and she can't wait for show and tell to share it with everyone but she is busting at the gut to tell everyone about it.  When she does, the consequences are more than she can handle.  The conversation with the class that ensued was rich.  Talking out and waiting their turn in this contained classroom is one of the main difficulties.  It was interesting to see which students made the connection between their behaviour and the moral of the book and those who just legitimately cannot control that outburst in their desire for others to know their thoughts and see their knowledge.  We really had a great time talking about the lessons and finding out what they want to be when they grow up.  One girl wants to be a diva.  If it was only that simple!