Parents, please enjoy this article on the importance of reading to your kids even after they become capable of independent reading. Have fun reading as a family!
Kindness is Contagious
In the epilogue, Caitlin issues this challenge to us as readers:
So, let’s answer her question. What will kindness do for you? How will you let it make a difference in your life? What are some specific ways you can be intentional about showing more kindness?
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A note from Mrs. Sprague on The Running Dream
From Mrs. Sprague:
I just read a great book that goes along with our summer reading book. It is titled The Running Dream. It is the story of a girl who suffers a tragedy in her life, and how she adjusts with the help of a disabled girl. The story continues with how she repays her friend for all of her help. It was an easy read and a great story!!!
Interested in checking this story out? Find it here on Amazon or see if it’s at your local library!
An End to Meanness
In Part 3, Caitlin recalls an incident with one of her classmates, Amanda, who often has unwashed hair and an unclean face. Amanda gets picked on by people, but Caitlin mostly left her alone… Until one day when a piece of dandruff fell out of Amanda’s hair and onto Caitlin’s notebook. She told her friends about it, and they said mean things to her like, “Um, have you ever thought about washing your hair?” Amanda was clearly upset and embarrassed about that comment.
Caitlin’s experience with Martin is showing her some things about poverty, and she starts to make some connections between what she knows of Amanda and what she’s learned from Martin. She realizes that it’s not Amanda’s fault, and she feels bad about the way she’s been treating her.
Then, Caitlin makes the following vow not to be mean again, and to stick up for people like Amanda. Who will make this same vow?
Generosity and Shoes
In Part 3 of our summer reading book, Caitlin begins to understand just how much she’s helping Martin when she sends him things along with her letters.
Read the excerpt below and respond to any of these questions in the comments:
- Did this part surprise or shock you? How?
- How would you react in Caitlin’s situation?
- How can not having a pair of shoes impact a person?
- What did Caitlin mean by “injustice was happening in the world”?
Also, there are several great charities that focus on providing shoes for those in need. Check out these organizations for ways to get involved (and donate your old clothes/shoes):
- Samaritan’s Feet (https://www.samaritansfeet.org) – they have opportunities to volunteer in Charlotte!
- Soles4Souls (https://soles4souls.org)
- Toms (http://www.toms.com)
- Local second hand stores and assistance charities, like Crisis Assistance Ministries, the Matthews Help Center, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and more.
