Thurgood Marshall Elementary invited several dignitaries throughout Delaware to be Guest Readers for different classrooms. I was honored when they invited me to share one of my favorite books with a few 3rd grade classes. To start the day, after the announcements, everyone was invited to get up and dance to the song of the day. The students had to help teach me the right moves, but after a few times I got it down pat!
I shared the book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, because it goes right along with my platform CharacterCounts! We were able to talk about the 6 Pillars of Good Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. After we looked at how the giving tree showed these different pillars, we talked about being a good role model. Some of the students were a little shy when I asked who thought they were a role model. It always amazes me that so many students never stop to think they influence the lives of others. By the end of our conversation, it was wonderful to see so many faces light up to the thought that they have the power to positively influence their friends, families, and even teachers.
I told them that if they were good listeners I would give each of them a signed photo card of me at the end. It is such a great feeling to see the excitement throughout the classroom at the thought of having my autograph. It always makes me feel like a celebrity. One student actually asked me during our Q&A time, if I was a celebrity. Their teacher quickly chimed in and said that they learned the definition of a celebrity in class. She then asked the class if they thought I was a celebrity. A loud YEEESSSSSSSS roared from their mouths. It was so cute!
One by one they went back to their classrooms and I handed out my photo cards. I even got a few hugs as they walked by. I can tell that Thurgood Marshall Elementary is full of students with good character!
