When I was teaching, yes, I had to focus on content. Reading and writing strategies and patterns in ancient history were carefully planned as daily goals. But what I didn’t “plan” was equally as important. There were endless opportunities to teach my students about integrity. When opportunities arose, I took them. Sometimes I had to create opportunities as well. What I had posted on my classroom walls (in more than one location) and on the front of door entering my classroom read, “Choose to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

In this world of social media overload and our “look at me” culture, many children are focused on what others see and think of them. It’s challenging and unusual for our kids to “be still.” Reading can provide that opportunity. With reading comes the opportunity to learn, to be still, and to just ponder some of the more meaningful things in life.

Reading the right books with your children can provide opportunities to have conversations about choices and living with integrity. Select books that mirror your family values.

My hope is to focus on books that encourage our kids to do the right things, even when mom or dad or coach or teacher or friends are NOT LOOKING. When the world around us focuses on pics and posts, we can nudge them to do the right thing simply because….. it is the right thing.

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