Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun

“Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are” by Maria Dismondy, illustrated by Kim Shaw, Cardinal Rule Press, USA, Copyright 2008. A book about bullying, being proud of who you are and the benefits of treating people with kindness.
Wanting to take it a step further? Are you a caregiver or work with children? You might try this activity to go with “Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun:” Courage can be hard to come by on a day you’re feeling overwhelmed, scared or worried. A courage jar might be a good way to help a child get moving in the right direction. If your child is headed out the door to catch the bus, going to a birthday party for the first time, leaving your classroom, or maybe going back to school after a sickness, move or maybe a death of a loved one; a courage jar might be a great way to give that child an extra boost as they move forward. Take an empty jar or can and fill it with popsicle sticks. You can decorate the jar if you would like. Each stick should have a message of courage written on it - for example: You can do it; Just do your thing; Be brave, be bold, be you; 100% Awesome; You’ve got this; Today is the day; Do the right thing; Give yourself a high five; Can’t stop - won’t stop; think happy be happy. You can create as many as you want and hand them out as needed. Finding the right message for the right moment is important. The stick can then be carried in the child’s hand, pocket or backpack and will remind the child that someone cares about them.