What if everybody did that? by Ellen Javernick

This story is about a boy who chooses to make poor choices such as being rude in a restaurant, speaking out of turn, and littering. Everyone the boy meets asks him, “What if everybody did that?”. Hearing this question over and over again makes the boy start to think about what really would happen if everyone chose to do things like he was, and he realizes that he has been wrong. The story ends on a positive note as he comes home and hugs his mom while thinking “What if everybody did that?” and decides that the world would be a better place if everyone made that decision. 

Moral of the story: Our behaviors affect others. We are each responsible for making choices that positively impact our community. Understand the cause and effect relationship of behaviors.

Keywords: Community; Behaviors; Consequences; Respectfulness; Responsibility

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

Lilly loves all sorts of things. She loves school, she loves dressing up, she even grows to love her stinky baby brother, Julius. In fact, Lilly loves everything! But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse to school and can't wait until sharing time to show off the purse and her movie star sunglasses, her teacher, Mr. Slinger, has to take away her prized possessions.

Lilly's fury leads her to draw a mean picture of her favorite teacher. It isn’t until Mr. Slinger gives her belongings back to her with a kind note and snacks that Lilly realizes she owes Mr. Slinger an apology.

Moral of the story: Shows ways to handle strong emotions and how to take responsibility for your actions.

Keywords: Behaviors; Consequences; Respectfulness; Responsibility

David gets in trouble by David Shannon

"When David gets in trouble, he always says . . . 'NO! It's not my fault! I didn't mean to! It was an accident!'" Whatever the situation, David's got a good excuse. And no matter what he's done "wrong," it's never really his fault. Soon, though, David realizes that making excuses makes him feel bad, and saying he's sorry makes him feel better.

Moral of the story: Take responsibility for your actions.

Keywords: Behaviors; Consequences; Responsibility; Apologising