Choose Your Attitude

Yesterday was Slice of Life Tuesday on the blog by Two Writing Teachers.  After I posted my blog, I began reading what others had posted. While doing that, I found a new blog that caught my attention.  It was from the blog Education Everyday. It is now one of my favorites. The article was about choosing the right attitude.

She talked about how attitude for students is one of the most important measures of their success for the year. She wanted to introduce this concept to her students and decided to do it through the book: Underwear by Mary Elise Monsell.It's the story of two friends, a zebra and an orangutan, that love underwear. They have so much fun buying, and wearing outrageous, undies. Then they meet Bismark Buffalo, who is a gloomy grump. The zebra and orangutan have a plan to cheer him up, could it involve underwear? Buffalo is skeptical, but he gives their plan a try... Bismark has to choose his attitude. He can either be gloomy and unhappy, or he can join in the fun with zebra and orangutan!

That reminded me of another book I used for community, but would be perfect for choosing your attitude.  It is The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill.  Mean Jean was the recess queen and nobody said any different. Nobody swung until Mean Jean swung. Nobody kicked until Mean Jean kicked. Nobody bounced until Mean Jean bounced. If kids ever crossed her, she'd push them and hammer them until Katie Sue came to school. The way Mean Jean changed her attitude is a perfect way to help students see it can make a difference.

Hope these two books help you get your school year started with the right attitude!