Reach Out and Give »

Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., has her master’s degree in elementary education and gifted education. A former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. Cheri and her husband, David, have six children. They live in Laurel, Maryland.

Even very young children can help to make the world a better place. This book begins with the concept of gratitude, because feeling grateful is a powerful motivator. Words and pictures show children contributing to their community in simple yet meaningful ways. Includes discussion questions, a philanthropy role play, generosity games, and ideas for service projects.

Children's Literature

One of the titles in the Learning to Get Along series, this book with its barely larger than normal format shares a larger-than-life approach to giving. Adding to this larger approach is the adequately sized text (larger letters than one often sees with this much text on the page). It seems purposeful and appropriate. With all that largeness combined, I found myself with the distinct impression that this was an important topic. Sprinkled on every page are examples of how children can learn to be givers and take initiative to help others. Many different ages and ethnicities are represented. The book, too, illustrates a variety of situations in which helping can happen. It honestly and thoroughly addresses the issue in a format that is kid-friendly; no preachy approach here. The author, a former first grade teacher with a masters in gifted education, provides a wealth of questions and generosity activities at the end of the book to help solidify and reinforce the concepts of gratitude, gratefulness, and giving. Although the publisher identifies this as an early childhood (which may translate to preschool for some people) social skills text, I believe it could also be valuable for students in the early years of elementary school. Reviewer: Cathy Puett Miller