A Teacher's Promise

August 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-Teachers do much more than provide instruction. This title highlights the positive aspects of a good teacher and the promises she makes to her students. She encourages children to dream and think big thoughts and will help them learn at their own pace. She wants to inspire them to explore their feelings and be sensitive to the feelings of others. She promises to help her students discover the importance of patience and kindness. She will motivate them to make friends and will be there to assist when they are learning to share. She wants to help young ones realize that mistakes are going to happen and that it's okay-because everyone grows and learns from them. She also wants children to recognize that the classroom can be a magical place to learn. This is a short book told in verse. The rhyming words are straightforward and predictable. The simple illustrations are composed of bright colors and complement the text. Many parents hope that their children will encounter teachers who would make such promises and carry them through. VERDICT While this offering is a suitable gift for a new teacher or one who is well loved, its appeal to children is minimal and its saccharine tone limits its use in a library collection.-Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA

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