Diary of a Worm

Books are important instructional tools and media. Books also have many different messages that are sent to children through word choice, pictures, and the roles people and animals take within books. Because of this, humane education can be brought across to children through the books used in the classroom. I recently found a wonderful book titled Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin. The book follows a young worms life at school, the dance, with his friend spider, and his interactions with humans. The important issues in the book are how the children can relate to the worm. The little worm wants to live his life, go to school, and have fun with friends and family. The lesson on the book can involve comprehension with printed materials but adding a discussion about what it is like to be a worm helps with empathy building.

One way to find books yourself that have humane education themes is to read the book and ask, "How are animals portrayed?" "After reading do you understand how another person feels?" "Is the environment valued in the book?" "Are the lessons taught about being kind to others, empathy, and about having a strong moral character?"

These are some of my favorite books with humane education themes:

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin

Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

The Peace Book by Todd Parr

It's Okay to be Different by Todd Parr