R-E-S-P-E-C-T–Character Trait of September
Posted by lindamartinandersen on September 19, 2012
“R-E-S-P-E-C-T–Character Trait of September” by Linda Martin Andersen
“A Writer’s Playground”
A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.
When I was an elementary School Counselor in Cumberland County, NC, students studied character traits each month. Presently, I am a part-time tutor. I am also a writer who loves picture books. Mix it all together, and you’ll understand why I introduced classroom rules and procedures to tutoring groups by reading a picture book about “respect.”
Now, I have found another way to spread the word about good character. I volunteer once a month for story time at a home school bookstore in my area. Check it out at www.thepilgrimsjourney.com. I plan to present character traits in the same sequence as the Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, NC. See below:
Character Traits–
September—Respect 
October—Responsibility
November—Integrity
December—Caring
January—Self-Discipline
February—Trustworthiness
March—Fairness
April—Citizenship
May—Celebrate (successes)
Pilgrim’s Journey Home School Bookstore graciously welcomed me as a volunteer story time presenter. Look for a home school bookstore in your area. Attend programs or buy good books. Home school bookstores are great additions to the neighborhood.
September’s character trait is “Respect.” This month, I read Do Unto Otters–A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller. She is the author and illustrator. If you’d like to know more about Laurie, please check out her publisher’s site at http://us.macmillan.com/dountootters/LaurieKeller and look for a link to Laurie’s website. It offers other books, games and DVDs. There are printable activities too such as coloring pages, word searches, and comprehension questions. Check here: http://www.lauriekeller.com/schoolstuff_otters.html.
I hope you’ll locate a copy of Do Unto Otters and read it . Ask your parents if you may write Laurie Keller an email on her site and let her know your favorite part of the book. Authors love to hear from their readers. Maybe you’ll find other book titles listed that interest you.
Enjoy the rest of the month and show respect to persons, places and things. Yes, that’s the definition of a noun. Brainstorm persons you respect, places you respect, and things you respect. What ways to do show respect? Looks like we’ve been combining more than counseling, teaching, and writing. We even got in a little grammar. Isn’t learning great?
I’d love to hear ways you show respect. Please leave a comment below. Thank you for joining us at “A Writer’s Playground.” Come again soon and bring a friend.
Coming in October: Activities for Kids, two guests, a signed book giveaway, and story time about Red Ribbon Week and Responsibility. Hope to see you then.
Copyright © 2012 Linda Martin Andersen
A Writer's Playground 
joycemoyerhostetter said
Right now, in the midst of a political campaign I get extra opportunities to show respect. Choosing my comments carefully. Not responding in kind to in-your-face FB attitudes. Asking probing questions. I think listening is one of the best ways to show respect. I’m working on being a better listener – especially with family members!
lindamartinandersen said
Joyce,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It’s always great to hear from you.
I like that you call political campaign season a time for extra opportunities to show respect. Ain’t that the truth? Knowing when to hold your opinions and when to ask probing questions is an art.
Being a better listener is a terrific way to show respect. Family member certainly appreciate that.
Joan Y. Edwards said
Dear Linda,
I enjoyed your blog post. Respect is shown in many ways. I think acceptance shows a great amount of respect. I love the title “Do Unto Otters.” Otters are one of my favorite animals because of their playfulness. Have fun today.
Joan Y. Edwards
lindamartinandersen said
Joan,
Showing acceptance, tolerance, and respect would turn the world into a great playground! Thanks for visiting and for always reminding readers to “never give up.”
If you like otters, you’ll love this book. Maybe you could read it to young ones you love. There’s even a cute sing-song line that’s sung. There’s playfulness in the words and the actions. A fun read. Enjoy!
Carol Federlin Baldwin said
Joyce’s response was so thoughtful! Leave it to her. I think homeschool schools are a great resource for parents in general. If we all respected one another, the world would be a different place!
lindamartinandersen said
Carol,
Yes, Joyce knows how to handle difficult things without ruffling feathers.
Thanks for your kind words about home school bookstores. I’m certainly enjoying my story time experiences there.
A world where everyone respects everyone and everything–book me a ticket.