Books by Jeanette Winter – Level D, every one of them!
Author/Illustrator, Jeanette Winter, has written some amazing story books recording the efforts of ordinary people––turned heroes––through their initiative and Level D actions. Any one of these picture books could be used to introduce or deepen an understanding of the concepts of Level D. Even adults and older students appreciate Winter’s books––not only as beautiful works of [...]
Picture book for all grade levels – “So Close”
Here’s a very simple picture book with a poignant message that can be appreciated by readers of any age. It’s brilliant! Told in just 7 sentences it is the quintessential story of ”what might have been.” It will touch your heart and inspire you to reach out to others! Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit are neighbors. [...]
Primary book – “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse”
In preparation for a new school year, I’ve been looking at lots of picture books lately. One I picked up is the famous “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse” by Kevin Henkes. I can’t quite believe it myself but I’d never read this book before––and it’s been available for 14 years! Turns out, it’s a great story [...]
Early Primary book; Choice-Response Thinking
In DWS classrooms, teachers use Dr. Marshall’s four-leveled Hierarchy chart to introduce young people to empowering information about internal motivation. Students of all ages learn that to be motivated internally (as opposed to being pressured or coaxed externally,) is the highest level of personal and social development. In order for students to take full advantage of the [...]
I’m hoping to find a list of picture books to introduce the four DWS levels.
Here is a list of picture books compiled by one teacher on the DWS mailring. Level A Books – Anarchy Mean Soup, by Betsy Everitt Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink, by Diane deGroat Miss Nelson is Missing, by Harry Allard We Share Everything, by Robert Munsch Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, by Kevin Henkes [...]
Primary/Intermediate Book – “A River Ran Wild”
“A River Ran Wild” is the story of a grassroots environmental movement. Inspired by Massachusetts hero, Marion Stoddart, a large group of citizens of all ages, worked diligently for several decades to restore the ecologically-dead Nashua River to its original state. This beautifully illustrated book traces the history of the river––from the days when it [...]
Intermediate/High School – Goal Setting and “The Last Lecture”
Last week I spent an evening with Teresa, an old friend of mine who just happens to be a fabulous grade six teacher at a nearby school. As it always does, our talk eventually turned to two of our favorite subjects––teaching and whatever good books we’ve read lately! One thing I always admire about this [...]
High School/Adult Book- “Everyday Greatness”
I recently came across a book from the public library and thought that I’d pass along the title for those who enjoy reading about Level D! The book is called “Everyday Greatness–Inspiration for a Meaningful Life.” It’s actually a book of excerpts from Reader’s Digest that have been organized into various themes. The Table of [...]
Primary/Intermediate Book- “Miss Nelson is Missing”
Several months after I’ve taught all four levels of the DWS Hierarchy, I like to read Miss Nelson is Missing by James Marshall. This story is especially valuable for discussing a DWS concept, that of ”choosing your teacher.” In other words, when a student acts on a high level, the teacher is encouraged to respond in kind. When a student acts on a low level, again the teacher [...]
Intermediate/High School Book- “Letters to a Bullied Girl”
I’d like to share a new book I recently signed out from my public library. It’s called Letters to a Bullied Girl; Messages of Healing and Hope by Olivia Gardner with Emily and Sarah Buder. Just as the title suggests, the book is filled almost entirely with personal letters––presented in an easy-to-read format. The letters [...]
