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Emma’s Gems
Emma’s Gems
Written by Anne Renaud, Illustrated by Leanne Franson
Emma loves her grandfather, and the moments she shares with him are always filled with beautiful discoveries. That’s because Grandpa Phil is so wise. He even knows how to change ordinary stones into precious gems. By using these stones to carry out three acts of kindness every day, Grandpa Phil demonstrates to his granddaughter the importance of helping people, animals, and the environment.
Discussion Questions:
1. Emma is usually in a good mood when Grandpa Phil visits but she isn’t today. Why is Emma in a bad mood? Describe a time when you were in a bad mood.
2. As Emma and her Grandpa Phil walk around the neighbourhood she notices her grandpa moving his stones from his right pocket into his left. Why does he move the stones into a different pocket?
3. Grandpa Phil describes his stones as “generosity gems”. What does the word generous mean?
4. After Emma returns home she starts to make her own generosity gems using beads. Describe the three acts of kindness she completes at home.
Maker Connection
1. After students have listened to the story, brainstorm as a class how they can share with others, help animals and help the environment.
2. Students will be each given a small stone to paint the 3 colours that Emma choose for her "generosity gems" (pink, purple and green).
(I happened to have stones already in my Makerspace; however, it would also be an option for students to bring in their own stones. Also if students prefer to pick their own colours that is an option too!)
3. After student have completed their painting, they write a small note to take home with their stones indicating what each stone represents. (I find this particularly helpful so they can communicate to their families what they were doing at school.)
4. Extension Activity: At our school, we currently are participating in a "Kindness Challenge". We have created a bulletin board and student are encouraged to write about their kind gestures to post on our bulletin board
Books About Generosity
The Giving Tree (selfless nature of giving) by Shel Silverstein
A Chair for My Mother (generosity in families)by Vera Williams
One Hen How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference (international giving)by Katie Smith Milway
The Giving Book (ideas for giving; great for teaching generosity) by Ellen Sabin
Generosity Video
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