Create your own library of Mothers Day books. Start reading Mother’s Day books a week or two before Mother’s Day to help students appreciate what their mothers or primary caregivers do for them. For most of us, gratitude is a learned skill and it’s easy to assume others should do things for us. Children who see adults acknowledging kindness and selflessness and saying thank you will find it easier to do the same.
Regularly tell students how much you are thankful for what they do and schedule time for your students to express what they appreciate about others. Set them up for success by giving them tasks that are age appropriate, then comment on their actions.
Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by Maurice Sendak
Finding a birthday present for her mother is no easy task for the little girl in the book. Luckily, she happens upon Mr. Rabbit, who doesn’t always have the best ideas. Between the two of them, they come up with a present for her mother.
A Ride on Mother’s Back: A Day of Baby Carrying around the World
This book by Emery and Durga Bernhard shows how people from various countries carry their youngsters while going about their daily chores. Each double-page spread introduces a different culture with bright colorful pages, and gives children an awareness of many different cultures.
Children learn how similar caregiver’s chores are, no matter where they live.
by Laurel Porter Gaylord (Author), Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)
Children love the animals that are illustrated throughout this book. The story starts with a mother on a chair reading to her child and continues with animal mothers with their offspring. A mother cat with her kitten says, “She listens when I talk.” A Mother deer with her fawn, says, ”She keeps me nice and clean.” The book is short and easy to read.
by Stephen Krensky (Author), Kathi Ember (Illustrator)
Violet is a young snake who likes to play with the other animals in the forest. But when spring arrives, her friends get very busy making presents for Mother’s Day. Violet is glad everyone’s working so hard, but what can she do for her own mother? Without arms or legs or teeth, she can’t make gifts as the other animals can. Then Violet discovers that there is one thing she can do that’s different-and comes up with the most original gift of all.
Biscuit Loves Mother’s Day
This Biscuit book by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, shows many ways to make Mom feel special. Chrildren can pull back the big flaps to see the surprises Biscuit and the little girl have in store for her Mom.
Before We Eat: From Farm to Table
by Pat Brisson (Author), Mary Azarian (Illustrator)
This book is not Mother’s Day specific but gives children an appreciation for the food they eat. Many children do not have opportunities to understand the hard work that goes into food production. Mary Azarian’s illustrated wood cuts are wonderful for pre-school and elementary grades. The book helps children value all the workers that raise the food and transport the food to the grocery store.
After reading the story, each student could draw a picture of what their own mother/caregiver does for them so they get to eat a dinner each night and to draw what they can do to help.
All New Crafts for Mother’s and Father’s Day
Although I am not a fan of crafts, where each child has to make the same thing, I do like these type of books for quick ideas. Throughout the year, teach the kids basic craft skills, such as using liquid glue, then show them how to make a craft from the book with a few demonstrations. Make sure they have similar materials and then let them alone! They usually come up with much more creative work than you’d imagine.
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