Centennial Reads
Centennial Reads is a school-wide initiative that promotes a common understanding of core social-emotional concepts through a shared literary experience. All students at Centennial Academy in grades PreK through 5 partner with teachers, administrators, and special service providers each month to enjoy a the same book and complete a complementary learning activity.
The themes are inspired by the CASEL Social-Emotional Framework and the books are chosen by Centennial Academy's PBIS Committee for their ability to creatively convey important concepts.
The 2022-23 Centennial Reads titles reflect the concepts of Responsible Decision-Making and Social Awareness.
Click on the titles below for Read-Aloud links so you can enjoy the books at home with your student!
Jan/Feb 2022:
Social Awareness
Saving American Beach by Heidi Tylene King, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
One teaches us that responsible decision-makers think of positive ways to make change.
Discussion Questions:
Notice the reasons American Beach was special. Why was it so important to MaVynee?
Think of a place or an idea that is important to you.
How can you make positive change at school or in the community?
Nov/Dec 2022: Responsible Decision-Making
One by Kathryn Otoshi
One teaches us that when one person stands up for what is right, it empowers other people to stand up with them.
Discussion Questions:
How can you stand up for people?
How do we stand up assertively and respectfully?
How do we forgive and move on?
October 2022:
Responsible Decision-Making
It's Not My Fault teaches us that you can own your mistakes to learn and grow. You don't need to be so hard on yourself. If you make an excuse or don’t own it, it sticks with you and you can’t move past it.
Discussion Questions:
How does being honest help you maintain trust with others?
How does that make you feel on the inside?
How do we accept consequences for our actions?
How do mistakes make others feel?
And how do we respond if we hurt someone’s feelings?
September 2022:
Responsible Decision-Making
Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon teaches us that it’s important to do the right thing even when it’s hard. All students should make caring and constructive choices when it comes to their behavior. You can show you care by standing up for others. You can own your mistakes to learn and grow.
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to be true to yourself?
What does it mean to take responsibility?
What does it mean to accept people for who they are?
What does it mean to speak up for others?
Previous Centennial Reads selections include:
You Matter by Christian Robinson
The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
The Bad Seed by Jory John
We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
I Promise by LeBron James
Fergal and the Bad Temper by Robert Starling
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell