Respectful Readers Reference GuideSEL Literature Companion Page 1 of 2 Respectful Readers Guide Using high-quality picture books to teach respect, active listening, and empathy in 1st Grade. How to Use: Read one book aloud each week. Use the guiding questions below to prompt rich, student-led circle discussions. Focus on defining respect as "treating others, ourselves, and our environment with value and care." The Recess Queen Inclusion by Alexis O'Neill Mean Jean rules the playground with a bossy attitude, until a new student named Katie Sue arrives. Instead of fighting back, Katie Sue shows Jean respect, invites her to play, and breaks the cycle of bullying. Talk About It: • How did Katie Sue show respect to Mean Jean when no one else would? • How does playing together help build respect? Do Unto Otters The Golden Rule by Laurie Keller Mr. Rabbit gets new neighbors—who happen to be Otters! He is worried about how they will get along until he learns about the Golden Rule: treating others exactly how you would like to be treated. Talk About It: • What are some "otter-ly" polite things we can say to show respect? • Why is it important to respect differences? Hey, Little Ant Empathy by Phillip & Hannah Hoose A young boy raises his shoe to squish an ant, but the ant begins to speak, pleading for its life and sharing details about its family and community. This powerful dialogue challenges us to respect all living things. Talk About It: • If you were the boy, would you squish the ant? Why or why not? • How does putting yourself in someone else's shoes help you respect them? What If Everybody...? Community by Ellen Javernick A boy makes seemingly minor choices, like littering a wrapper or yelling on the bus. Each action is met with the question: "What if everybody did that?" A fantastic look at how individual respect shapes our shared spaces. Talk About It: • What would happen in our classroom if everybody shouted out at once? • How does following school rules show respect for others? Focus Area: Respect & Social-Emotional Learning 1st Grade Classroom Companion Series SEL Literature Companion Page 2 of 2 Respectful Readers Guide Continuing our collection of core respect lessons and classroom implementation ideas. Those Shoes Gratitude by Maribeth Boelts Jeremy desperately wants the trendy new shoes everyone has, but his grandmother explains they only have room for "needs," not "wants." Jeremy learns to respect his grandmother's hard work, find gratitude, and practice selfless kindness. Talk About It: • How did Jeremy show respect to his grandmother's feelings? • How can we show respect to friends who might have different things than we do? The Jelly Donut Diff. Neighbors by Maria Dismondy Siblings Leah and Dexter don't always get along, but they unite to show kindness and respect to their elderly neighbor, Ms. Marvis, who is lonely. A beautiful depiction of respecting elders and building neighborhood connections. Talk About It: • What are some small ways we can show respect to our neighbors? • Why is listening to older citizens' stories a form of respect? I Am Enough Self-Respect by Grace Byers This beautifully illustrated poem celebrates self-worth, loving who you are, and respecting others' unique backgrounds and abilities. It emphasizes that we don't have to be like anyone else to be worthy of respect. Talk About It: • What does it mean to have respect for yourself? • How can we respect classmates who are good at different things? Be Kind Everyday Respect by Pat Zietlow Miller When a young girl spills juice on her dress, her classmate wonders what it truly means to be kind. The book walks through realistic daily scenarios of active listening, caring, and offering respectful help to classmates. Talk About It: • How is being kind similar to showing respect? • What was the most respectful action you noticed in the story? Classroom Ritual: The "Respect Spotlight" Every Friday, invite students to spot a classmate showing one of the respect themes covered in the books (e.g., "I saw Lucas show the Golden Rule on the slide today!"). Record these on anchor charts to create an enduring classroom environment of positive affirmation. Focus Area: Respect & Social-Emotional Learning 1st Grade Classroom Companion Series
Respect in Action WorksheetName: Date: Respect is my Superpower! My Respect Action Plan We read wonderful stories about respect. Now it is your turn! Draw and write about how you can show respect in our world. 1. I show respect to my CLASSMATES and FRIENDS by... Think about: "The Recess Queen" or "Do Unto Otters" Draw a picture here! Write about your drawing: 2. I show respect to MYSELF by... Think about: "I Am Enough" or "Those Shoes" Draw a picture here! Write about your drawing: 3. I show respect to our CLASSROOM and WORLD by... Think about: "What If Everybody Did That?" or "Hey, Little Ant" Draw a picture here! Write about your drawing: Self-Reflection: Respect Action Plan "Respect means treating others with care!"
Respectful Classrooms Master BooklistSchool-Wide SEL Directory Page 1 of 2 Respectful Classrooms: Master Booklist A curated multi-grade master library mapping respect for self and respect for others (Grades K-2). Classification Legend: Respect for Self Respect for Others Respect for Both Kindergarten Foundations & Basic Manners Book TitleAuthorFocusCore SEL ThemeLlama Llama Time to ShareAnna DewdneyOthersSharing & Turn-TakingChrysanthemumKevin HenkesSelfSelf-Esteem & Name PridePlease, Mr. PandaSteve AntonyOthersPolite Magic Words & MannersHow Full Is Your Bucket?Tom RathBothKindness & Bucket-FillingDavid Goes to SchoolDavid ShannonOthersFollowing Rules & Space Respect Grade 1 Active Caring & Friendship Book TitleAuthorFocusCore SEL ThemeThe Recess QueenAlexis O'NeillOthersConflict Resolution & InclusionDo Unto OttersLaurie KellerOthersThe Golden Rule & NeighborsHey, Little AntP. & H. HooseOthersEmpathy & Respect for WildlifeWhat If Everybody Did That?Ellen JavernickOthersCommunity Respect & RulesThose ShoesMaribeth BoeltsBothGratitude & Peer SensitivityThe Jelly Donut DifferenceMaria DismondyOthersRespecting Elder NeighborsI Am EnoughGrace ByersSelfLoving Unique BackgroundsBe KindPat Z. MillerOthersEveryday Polite Interactions Grade 2 Inclusion & Authenticity
Respectful Readers Grade 2 Reference Guide2nd Grade SEL Companion Reference Guide Respectful Readers Grade 2 Curation of 5 premier picture books focusing on deep respect, self-acceptance, and inclusion. 2nd Grade Focus: At this developmental stage, students transition from simple manners to understanding deep, relational respect—including empathizing with quiet peers, embracing their own unique traits, and understanding the permanent impact of actions. The Invisible Boy Inclusion by Trudy Ludwig Brian feels invisible in his class until a new student, Justin, arrives. When Justin is teased, Brian writes him a welcoming note, starting a beautiful friendship that shows how small, respectful acts make everyone visible. Talk About It: • How does noticed behavior show respect? What made Brian feel seen? A Bad Case of Stripes Self-Respect by David Shannon Camilla Cream loves lima beans but avoids them because her friends don't like them. Her extreme worry about others' opinions causes her body to break out in wildly changing stripes. She learns that respecting her true self is the only cure. Talk About It: • How is being honest about what you love a form of respect for yourself? One Courage by Kathryn Otoshi Blue is a quiet color who gets bullied by Red. The other colors feel bad but don't speak up, until the number One arrives and stands tall. This inspiring book shows how one voice of respect can change a whole community. Talk About It: • What does it mean to stand up for a peer? How does that show respect? Each Kindness Impact by Jacqueline Woodson When a new, poorly-dressed girl named Maya joins the class, Chloe and her friends reject her. When Maya suddenly moves away, Chloe is left with deep regret. This powerful story highlights the lasting weight of small unkindnesses. Talk About It: • Why is every opportunity to respect or support a classmate valuable? Say Something! Voice by Peter H. Reynolds This book explores the many ways a person can "say something" to make the world a better place—whether through painting, writing, speaking out against unfairness, or simply being a quiet, respectful presence. Talk About It: • How can speaking up protect another person's dignity and respect? Ripple Effect Activity After reading Each Kindness, drop a stone into a bowl of water. Watch the ripples. Explain that every respectful act sends out waves of good feelings. Ask students to brainstorm one small, quiet way they can create a positive ripple in class today.
Respect Reflections WorksheetName: Date: My Ripple of Respect Respect in Action Reflections Let's reflect on the stories we read. Think about how your actions can show respect to classmates, yourself, and your community. 1. Making Everyone Feel Seen How can you make a quiet classmate feel included, like in The Invisible Boy? Draw your action! My Response: 2. Respecting Who I Am What is something unique you love about yourself, like in A Bad Case of Stripes? Draw yourself! My Response: 3. Using My Voice for Good How can you use your voice to help others feel respected, like in One or Say Something!? Draw a voice bubble/scene! My Response: Self-Reflection: Respect Action Plan "Every kindness sends a ripple of respect!"
Respectful Readers Grade 3 Reference Guide3rd Grade SEL Companion Reference Guide Respectful Readers Grade 3 Curation of 5 premier picture books focusing on integrity, earth stewardship, and respecting cultural identity. 3rd Grade Focus: In 3rd grade, respect expands to abstract principles: integrity (respecting truth even when it's hard), cultural pride (respecting identity and heritage), and stewardship (active respect for our natural environment and the living creatures in it). The Empty Pot Integrity by Demi Ping works tirelessly to grow the Emperor's seed, but nothing sprouts. While other children present beautiful false flowers, Ping presents his empty pot with honesty and respect for the truth. He is rewarded for his profound integrity. Talk About It: • How is telling the truth a way of showing respect to yourself and others? The Name Jar Identity by Yangsook Choi Unhei, a new student from Korea, is anxious about her classmates pronouncing her name, so she starts a jar of American names. She discovers that respecting her own cultural heritage and her real name is her greatest strength. Talk About It: • How can we show respect to our classmates' unique backgrounds and names? Water Protectors Stewardship by Carole Lindstrom Inspired by Indigenous-led movements, a young girl stands up to defend Earth's water resources from the "black snake" of pollution. A deeply respectful call to action to honor the natural world and conserve its critical resources. Talk About It: • Why is respecting nature a collective responsibility for all of us? Each Living Thing Nature by Joanne Ryder This poetic, beautifully detailed book showcases diverse animals—from the smallest insects under a leaf to whales in the deep sea. It urges us to walk gently and respect the lives of all creatures that share our planet. Talk About It: • What is a small daily act that shows respect to plants and animals? Salt in His Shoes Work Ethic by Deloris Jordan Young Michael Jordan worries he will never grow tall enough to play basketball. His parents teach him that hard work, prayer, and patience are what truly build character. He learns to respect the slow, quiet process of growth and practice. Talk About It: • How does dedicating yourself to a hard goal show self-respect? The Pledge of Integrity After reading , introduce the concept of "doing the right thing when no one is looking." Have students write down an anonymous personal integrity challenge they completed (e.g., "I picked up trash even though my friends didn't"). Read a few aloud to spark conversation on respect for truth.
Respect Integrity WorksheetName: Date: Honoring Our World & Ourselves My Respect and Integrity Journal Reflect on our Grade 3 stories. Write and sketch your thoughts about how honesty, cultural respect, and earth stewardship guide your choices. 1. My Integrity Shield Why is it brave to show honesty even when things don't go as planned, like Ping in The Empty Pot? Sketch honesty: My Response: 2. Respecting Our Names and Heritages How can we show respect for our own identity and make sure our classmates feel proud of theirs? Draw an identity jar: My Response: 3. My Stewardship Pledge What is one commitment you will make to show active respect for our water, earth, and wildlife? Sketch your pledge: My Response: Self-Reflection: Respect Action Plan "Active respect shapes a better world."
Respectful Readers Grade 4 Reference Guide4th Grade SEL Companion Reference Guide Respectful Readers Grade 4 Cultivating deep respect for self and others through empathy, courage, and celebrating differences. Focus: Respecting Self & Others. In 4th grade, students face increased peer pressure. This lesson focuses on balancing self-respect (valuing your own voice and differences) with respect for others (standing up for classmates who are marginalized or teased). The Hundred Dresses For Others by Eleanor Estes Wanda Petronski is teased for wearing the same dress every day while claiming to have a hundred at home. Maddie regrets her silent participation in the teasing, teaching a permanent lesson about empathy and standing up for classmates. Talk About It: • How does staying silent when someone is teased show a lack of respect? Wings For Self by Christopher Myers Ikarus Jackson has beautiful, feathery wings, but his peers laugh and whisper. A quiet classmate recognizes the beauty in Ikarus's unique traits and stands up for him, teaching children to celebrate self-worth and protect peer dignity. Talk About It: • How do you maintain self-respect when others do not understand you? The Juice Box Bully For Others by Bob Sornson When Pete starts at a new school and acts out, the classmates choose to respect him while holding him accountable. They rely on "The Promise"—a vow to not stand by, but rather respectfully support and include everyone. Talk About It: • How does holding someone accountable with kindness show respect? We're All Wonders Both Focus by R.J. Palacio Auggie Pullman has an extraordinary face, and sometimes people say mean things. Through his story, readers learn to respect his challenges, value his self-worth, and realize that we are all unique "wonders." Talk About It: • How does practicing empathy change the way we respect others? The Tree Lady For Self by H. Joseph Hopkins Kate Sessions is determined to pursue science at a time when women rarely did. Her deep self-respect and belief in her mission allow her to transform the city of San Diego with trees, respecting both herself and the environment. Talk About It: • How does following your unique passions show respect for yourself? The "I Will Stand" Pact After reading The Juice Box Bully, draft a classroom pact together. Ask students to sign their name under three simple rules: 1. Respect myself, 2. Respect my peers, and 3. Speak up politely when someone is left out. Celebrate this pact as a class shield.
Respecting Uniqueness WorksheetName: Date: Courage & Individuality Standing Up for Self & Others Reflect on our Grade 4 stories. Explore how choosing active respect, finding your own voice, and celebrating what makes you different shapes our classroom. 1. Active Support vs. Silent Standing Respecting Others In The Hundred Dresses, Maddie felt bad for Wanda but stayed silent. Why is standing up for someone else a form of respect? Write about what you can say when a classmate is left out. 2. Embracing My Own "Wings" Respecting Self Ikarus Jackson had feathery wings, and Auggie had a unique face. What is one special trait you love about yourself? How does loving and respecting your own unique traits help you respect others? 3. Setting "The Promise" Community Action In The Juice Box Bully, students choose to hold Pete accountable with kindness rather than anger. Write about one promise you can make to help build a respectful, safe playground for everyone. Self-Reflection: Courage and Uniqueness "True respect stands tall for those around us."
Respectful Readers Grade 5 Reference Guide5th Grade SEL Companion Reference Guide Respectful Readers Grade 5 Empowering self-worth and honoring human dignity through social justice, sharing, and deep empathy. Focus: Respecting Self & Others. As 5th graders prepare for middle school, understanding the relationship between self-respect and global empathy is vital. This guide centers on honoring human dignity under difficult conditions, preserving self-worth, and respecting cultural identity. Separate Is Never Equal For Others by Duncan Tonatiuh Sylvia Mendez and her family fight for school desegregation in California. This biographical story emphasizes respect for civil rights and equal human dignity, encouraging students to stand up against systemic discrimination. Talk About It: • How does fighting for fairness demonstrate respect for other citizens? The Day You Begin For Self by Jacqueline Woodson We all experience times when we feel like an outsider. This story encourages students to honor their unique background, respect their own story, and find the self-respect needed to share their voice with the world. Talk About It: • How does sharing your personal experiences build a culture of self-respect? Four Feet, Two Sandals For Others by Karen Lynn Williams In a refugee camp, two young girls find only one shoe of a pair. Rather than fighting, they respectfully decide to share the sandals, demonstrating extreme kindness, shared humanity, and respect during a crisis. Talk About It: • How does sharing scarce resources show deep respect for a friend's dignity? The Whispering Town For Others by Jennifer Elvgren During WWII in Denmark, an entire village whispers directions in the dark to help guide a Jewish family to a safe harbor. This historical fiction shows the immense courage required to stand up and respect human rights. Talk About It: • Why is protecting others' physical safety the ultimate form of respect? The Junkyard Wonders For Self by Patricia Polacco Trisha is placed in a special education classroom dubbed the "junkyard." Her teacher, Mrs. Peterson, shows the class that they are geniuses who can make wonders out of junk, building immense self-respect and mutual pride. Talk About It: • What is the difference between valuing your potential versus peer validation? Dignity Mapping Draw a Venn Diagram with on the left and on the right. After reading Mrs. Peterson's lesson in , map out how believing in your own genius helps you protect and nurture other students' growth.
Respecting Dignity WorksheetName: Date: Human Dignity & Empathy Honoring Dignity and Self-Worth Reflect on our Grade 5 stories. Explore how recognizing human dignity, respecting equal rights, and standing tall in your own worth helps change our communities. 1. Standing for Equal Dignity Respecting Others In Separate Is Never Equal, Sylvia Mendez's family fought for equal rights. How does standing up for fair laws and desegregation show respect for the basic human dignity of every person? 2. Believing in My Own Worth Respecting Self In The Junkyard Wonders, Trisha found her inner genius with Mrs. Peterson. Write about what self-respect means to you. How can believing in your own potential help you stay strong during challenges? 3. Compassion and Moral Courage Empathy & Community Whether sharing a sandal in a camp or whispering directions in the dark, actions can hold someone up. How does choosing compassion during a hard time preserve another person's dignity and build collective respect? Self-Reflection: Dignity & Compassion "Empathy transforms our shared humanity."
Respectful Readers Kindergarten Reference GuideKindergarten SEL Companion Reference Guide Respectful Readers Kindergarten Simple, highly visual books about basic manners, sharing, taking turns, and simple self-love. Kindergarten Focus: Respecting Friends & Space. At this early stage, respect is concrete. We focus on building fundamental classroom habits: taking turns, using polite magic words, understanding how words affect others' feelings, and loving our own names. Llama Llama Time to Share For Others by Anna Dewdney Llama Llama has a hard time sharing his new doll with his neighbor, Nelly Gnu, leading to a torn toy. With Mama Llama's gentle help, he learns that sharing toys is a respectful way to have fun together. Talk About It: • How does sharing show a friend that you respect their feelings? Chrysanthemum For Self by Kevin Henkes Chrysanthemum loves her long, beautiful name until classmates tease her about it. With the help of an encouraging teacher, she remembers to love who she is, demonstrating that self-respect begins with loving our unique traits. Talk About It: • Why is your name special? How can we respect classmates' names? Please, Mr. Panda For Others by Steve Antony Mr. Panda offers delicious donuts to different animals, but refuses to give them any because they do not say "please." Finally, a polite lemur says the magic words, teaching young kids the basic power of respectful manners. Talk About It: • What polite words can we say when we ask for help in class? How Full Is Your Bucket? Both Focus by Tom Rath Felix learns that everyone has an invisible bucket. When we show respect and kindness, we fill others' buckets (and our own!). When we are mean or disrespectful, we dip into them. A classic, concrete metaphor for early learners. Talk About It: • How does helping a friend clean up fill their bucket and yours? David Goes to School For Others by David Shannon David has a hard time following classroom rules, from shouting out to running in the hallways. He learns that class rules exist to keep everyone safe and happy, making it a perfect foundation for respecting school spaces. Talk About It: • Why does walking quietly in the hallway show respect to other classes? Our Magic Bucket Ritual After reading How Full Is Your Bucket?, place a small clean plastic bucket on your rug. Whenever you spot a Kindergarten student showing active respect (e.g., waiting patiently for their turn), drop a colorful pom-pom in the bucket. Once the bucket is full, celebrate as a class!
Respect Classroom Kindergarten WorksheetName: Date: I Can Show Respect! My Respect Drawing Board We read fun stories about being a kind friend and taking care of our class. Draw pictures of how you show respect! 1. I show respect by sharing and taking turns! FOR FRIENDS Draw yourself sharing a toy! Try tracing this word: S H A R E "I can share!" 2. I show respect by listening and helping! FOR OUR CLASS Draw yourself listening to your teacher! Try tracing this word: H E L P "I can help!" Kindergarten Reflection: Respect is Caring "Kind words and hands make our classroom happy!"
