Doing the Right Thing Isn't Always Easy!

Don't Play Dirty, Gertie uses fictional characters who find themselves in tricky situations in which they have to make a choice--but which is the right one?  The You Choose series, written by Sarah Eason is perfect for character education.  Four books cover: Be Fair; Tell the Truth; Be Brave; Don't Steal. Provided by BlueWaveClassroom.com 

Flag Day and "Molly the Great Respects the Flag"

Flag Day commemorates the Second Continental Congress' adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777. For young readers, a "way in" to understanding the flag's significance is through Enslow Publishers' wonderful book Molly the Great Respects the Flag: A Book About Being a Good Citizen. Author Shelley Marshall uses a lively, storytelling approach and fictional, animal characters to bring home larger lessons about the flag' symbolism and civic responsibility. Character education, through the exploration of the notion of respect, also plays a role in Marshall's 24-page book.

This full-color, charmingly illustrated title, part of the eight-book "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great," is available in paperback for $6.95 from Enslow Publishers. A library-bound editon is also available for Enslow's school/library discount price of $15.95.

Kevin Garnett Bowling for Charity

Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett ("KG") has earned a good reputation for his charitable interests off the court as well as his strong play on the court. His most recent endeavor was participating in a charity bowling event to rasie money for "The Truth Fund" and "The Truth on Health" information campaign. Both initiatives, targeted to reach underprivileged kids, are spearheaded by Garnett's teammate Paul Pierce.

Read more about KG's longstanding interest in "giving back" in Enslow Publishers's Kevin Garnett: All-Star On and Off the Court. Author J. Chris Roselius' attractively designed, 128-page biography neatly illuminates Garnett's early years, his rise to stardom, and selected charitable activities. An excellent choice for character education and African-American biography collections, this Guided Reading Level "V" title is available in paperback for $9.95 or in a library-bound edition.

A free, downloadable teacher's guide, including curriculum-specific activities, is also available for the book.

Kevin Garnett: All-Star On and Off the Court is part of Enslow's nine-book "Sports Stars with Heart" series, which focuses on professional athletes in basketball, baseball, and football.

Character Education Begins On Opening Day

The launching of the 2010-2011 school year provides educators with new opportunities to present, encourage, and successfully teach character education. This pursuit often dovetails with students' literacy development, thereby linking the development of desirable behavioral aspirations with measurable academic achievement. One need for instructional staff and administrators is to identify materials that address these important teaching and learning goals.

Enslow Publishers' character education series -- "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great" -- is designed for teachers and students in grades K-3. The Guided Reading Levels for the books in the series (Level E or F, depending on the title) make them useful supplemental reading tools for on-level second grade students, first graders ready for a more advanced reading challenge, and third graders who require materials suitable for their tested reading level.

Each 24-page title in author Shelley Marshall's light-hearted, eight-book series highlights an essential character education topic in an age-appropriate way. Positive character traits are revealed through the use of approachable animal characters and a fun narrative style that engages young readers.

The series spotlights the following character traits: caring, courage, sharing, healthy habits, punctuality, citizenship, honesy, and responsibility.

The books are available in paperback for $6.95 per copy; they're also available in a library-bound format. Check out the Enslow Classroom website -- http://www.enslowclassroom.com/ -- for more information and free downloadable teacher's guides for "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great" and other classroom-friendly nonfiction series!