The circles all around us

 Title: The Circles All Around Us

Author/Illustrators: Brad Montague and Kristi Montague

Purchase link: https://sweetpipes.com/product/prh097-circles-all-around-us/

Teacher Resource: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse?search=circles%20all%20around%20us&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20319154550&gbraid=0AAAAADncKPVO4xFw_-I3mPVP8euNTAaGu&gclid=CjwKCAiAoNbIBhB5EiwAZFbYGODtjZeIjiHZxVrd1G35M5ynbXOkgJeYNhQT3E8uw8T8ZxYem5JEABoCqGMQAvD_BwE

Summary

    The Circles All Around Us is a vibrant picture book that shows how everyone is part of multiple circles of relationships, communities, and experiences. Through playful text and vibrant illustrations, the story illustrates how people, nature, and events are interconnected, and how our actions can influence the world around us. It encourages readers to recognize both small and large ways they influence others, promoting empathy, understanding, and mindfulness.

Connection to Element 5: Helping Children See Themselves as Agents of Change

    This book supports Element 5 because it encourages children to recognize the power they have to affect their communities and the people around them. By showing how all actions ripple through different circles, the story helps students see that even small choices can make a difference. It empowers children to take responsibility, make positive decisions, and contribute to meaningful change, reinforcing the idea that they are capable of shaping the world in their own ways.

Grades 4–8 Lesson Idea

    After reading “The Circles All Around Us,” students can explore the circles they are part of in their own lives, including their family, friends, school, neighborhoods, and larger communities, and reflect on how they can make a positive difference.

Activity Options:

• Reflective Drawing/Writing: Students create a diagram of their own circles, labeling people, places, or groups they interact with, and write about how they can positively impact each circle.

• Social Action Connection: Students identify a social issue they care about and brainstorm actions that could make a difference in their community or circle.

• Discussion: Students share examples of figures or personal role models who positively influenced their communities, connecting the idea of circles to real-life change.