Abstract
Young children need to have ongoing opportunities to learn about compassion and kindness. The social nature of language makes early literacy classrooms an ideal forum in which to do this. Due to the social nature of language, guided language, writing, and literature-based experiences provide a meaningful springboard from which children can learn the habits of mind and actions associated with compassion. A rationale for addressing compassion within the early literacy curriculum is provided, along with specific strategies and resources for helping children to learn and practice this important concept.
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Children’s Literature Cited
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Appendix 1: Additional Picture Books that Model Compassion
Appendix 1: Additional Picture Books that Model Compassion
Compassion Is Expressed Through Words and Actions
Gorbachev, V. (2005). That’s what friends are for (Illustrations by the author). New York: Philomel.
Graham, B. (2008). How to heal a broken wing (Illustrations by the author). Cambridge, MA: Candlewick.
Kargman, J., & Kargman, S. (2011). Pirates & Princesses (Illustrations by C. Davenier). New York: Dutton.
Parenteau, S. (2012). Bears in bed (Illustrations by D. Walker). Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Compassion Requires Thoughtfulness and Intentionality
Carlson, N. (2010). Henry and the bully (Illustrations by the author). New York: Viking.
Meade, H. (2012). If I never forever endeavor (Illustrations by the author). Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Walsh, M. (2008). 10 things I can do to help my world (Illustrations by the author). Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Woodsen, J. (2002). Visiting day (Illustrations by J. Ransome). New York: Scholastic.
Compassion Expresses Itself Through Presence
Boelts, M. (2012). Happy like soccer (Illustrations by L. Castillo). Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Brisson, P. (2006). I remember Miss Perry (Illustrations by S. Jorisch). New York: Dial.
Lindbergh, R. (2007). My little grandmother often forgets (Illustrations by K. Brown). Cambridge, MA: Candlewick.
Verburg, B. (2011). The kiss box (Illustrations by H. Cole). New York: Orchard.
Compassion Is Generative
Cecil, R. (2008). Duck (Illustrations by the author). Cambridge, MA: Candlewick.
Henderson, K. (2008). And the good brown earth (Illustrations by the author). Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Pinkney, J. (2009). The lion and the mouse (Illustrations by the author). New York: Little, Brown.
Wilson, K. (2007). Bear feels sick (Illustrations by J. Chapman). New York: Scholastic.
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Crawford, P.A. (2014). Beyond Words: Using Language and Literature to Teach Compassion for Others. In: Renck Jalongo, M. (eds) Teaching Compassion: Humane Education in Early Childhood. Educating the Young Child, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6922-9_11
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