We believe that you can never be too young to show compassion to others...
Compassionate actions can be small or HUGE, and are usually welcomed with open arms!
Whether it’s a sharing a hug with a close friend or opening the door for a stranger, we all have the ability to brighten someone’s day with these sincere acts of kindness. By embracing the beauty of everyone around us, appreciating what we have, and remembering to reserve judgement, we can cultivate a sense of compassion for others, especially those less fortunate.
Below you’ll find books, activities, and resources that are appropriate for various ages around the concept of “Compassion”.
Let’s Get To Work!
– Beth H, NEW BOOK JOY Guest Contributor
Readings & Resources
SEARCH BY GRADE LEVEL…
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
1ST – 2ND GRADE
3RD – 5TH GRADE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
Food for Thought
Additional Articles from our Favorite Authors
We All Need Love
– Erin Stewart, NEW BOOK JOY Guest Author
Bridging Books & Art
There is nothing better than creating images in your mind, while reading. It is almost like experiencing a movie, while getting immersed in a novel! Not only does it help you feel closer to the characters, but helps you become more excited about what is going to happen next. Talk about a great way to build your own suspense!
Art is also a wonderful connection with reading because it can help you get more attuned with the book’s topics or themes.
You have the opportunity to look at something visual and ponder about what the reading adventure will offer. You have the opportunity to make various connections between what you see in the piece of art and what you read in the book.
We’re excited to include a piece of art with each theme, in order for families to enjoy something visual along with their reading conversations and experiences!
NOW HIGHLIGHTING
Compassion by Kathy Kucia
For the Compassion theme, our friend, Kathy, who is an artist and retired high school art teacher, painted this thoughtful piece of artwork:
“This drawing portrays the idea of compassion. The picture is of a cat caught out in the rain. He feels sad and miserable because cats don’t like to get wet. Dogs are not typically thought of as liking cats, but here the dog has sympathy for the suffering of the cat. He shows compassion by sharing his umbrella, in order to bring comfort and care for the cat.”
Kathy enjoys working in all artistic mediums, including 2 and 3-dimensional works. Everyday life and nature are her strongest influences and are reoccurring themes in her art. Check out her other work here.
Family Activity
As an English teacher, I stumble across students who look at a piece of art and move on. They do not always pause and question. They only see what is on the surface, but do not dive into the visual experience.
When I have my students analyze a piece of art, I have them answer a series of questions, in order for the picture to be more than just random shapes and colors. The questions may focus on the visual aspect, as well as the story and/or tone. When teens take time to ponder and see the painting, everything comes alive!
It is easy to glance at a picture, but not take time to notice its beauty and meaning. Sure, it takes extra time to pause and answer questions about the picture, but questioning helps with awareness, curiosity, and wonderment.
Video Connection
Watch this YouTube video about dogs who saved cats and discuss one or more of the examples included in the video.
Then, connect the examples to the artwork and have a brief discussion about dogs showing compassion to cats. You can even have a larger conversation about the beauty and importance of showing compassion to others!
FOR FULL ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL READINGS, RESOURCES & ACTIVITIES, CHECK OUT OUR FAMILY BOOK CLUB subscription BOXES…
– Connie O & Mandy G, NEW BOOK JOY Founders
Conversation
What books inspire YOU & your family to show compassion?
Let’s get a conversation started in the comments below!