The Circles All Around Us

Product Information

This is a gorgeous book. I opened by saying it is a meditation and I’ll close on that sentiment. The message of connection, regardless of time, space, or matter, is beautiful. In an end note, the author, Xelena Gonzalex, of Native American and Spanish descent, writes that the text is specific to her culture, but also recognizes “more people are seeing themselves as part of a greater circle.” This is certainly the case, depending on where you look, if you are looking in the right places. The art is whimsical and earthy, impressionistic and realistic; a strange combination I want to surround myself with – mostly it is peaceful and wise. The story opens up with a child drawing a circle. The child sits alone inside the shape. When family members want in on the space, a bigger circle includes everyone. Larger circles follow to accommodate more family members, friends and neighbors. Connect:We are all a part of different “circles” in our lives. As you read the book, think about your different circles (your families, your classes, your teams, your friends) and how it feels to be a part of a circle. During Reading You can use the circles after the game for an art activity, such as pasting them onto paper to create a picture out of circles. Draw the details with markers or crayons. 2. Circles All Around Us

Create a work of ripple art by marbling oil and food coloring. The colors ripple together to create something unique and beautiful. The text closes with a close-up of the girl, like the cover. This time her eyes are open. She is able to see what her grandfather has shown her. They might get wet if they accidentally step onto a rectangle (water) but the consequences will be greater if they step onto a crocodile (triangle). Sitting under the tree, where they bury their ancestors, the grandfather appears sad. They both hold their hands to the earth, part of something beyond themselves.The message in this story is a reminder of the importance of human connections. Life is so much more meaningful when we engage with different people. The narrator compares social circles to books. Think of how limiting life would be if we only had one book to read. This idea applies to the people we meet. Life is better when we make connections with many new and different people. Lesson Activities The best way to use the book is as a read aloud to stimulate conversation. It would be valuable in a small Quaker classroom or school classroom. The concept of drawing circles is useful, although not a new idea. Whom do you invite into your circles? Who is left out? How can you expand the circle? This book makes a fine gift for a new baby, a birthday, an older child meeting a new sibling, or even one leaving home for the first time. Ask:The author dedicated the book “For all the kids making the world better right where they are.” What do you think Brad Montague means by that? In the circles all around us, everywhere that we all go, there’s a difference we can make and a love we can all show. Draw a circle around yourself and consider the love you have inside. Then consider what happens when we share that love with the world. “The Circles All Around Us” challenges the reader to open themselves up to others and in doing so, make the world a better place.

In this post, I will walk you through a detailed lesson plan that includes thoughtful questions for pre, during, and post-reading, as well as a free activity. Next, invite learners to work in groups to develop a service project plan. Use the Service Project Guides created by the iTeach team at Kennesaw State University. Allow groups to present their plans. Then, vote on a project to implement. Draw your circles either on paper or outside with sidewalk chalk.Begin with yourself. Next add a circle for your immediate family. Add their names to your family circle. Then continue drawing circles to represent all the groups you belong to in your life. Consider who might be outside your circle. What can you do to invite them in?Make paper or cardboard cut-outs of circles and hide them in the garden, house or classroom. Let kids search for them. Hide enough shapes so that everyone has a chance to find a few. This book invites discussion: What do the pictures and words mean about themes of universal importance: acceptance, understanding, sharing, and helping to make the world a better place for everyone? Brad Montague believes “the world is better when kids and adults dream, create, and read together.” Hand-lettered text by the author is enhanced by carefree illustrations using analog and digital elements.

Lay the shapes across a room, making sure to place the circles close enough together – but not in a straight line – with the other shapes in between them. As seasoned teachers, we know that the first week of school is much more than a series of introductions and icebreakers. It is our unique opportunity to set the tone, establish expectations, and cultivate the environment that will support our students throughout the entire school year. All Around Us” is a beautifully composed picture book written by Xelena Gonzalez and illustrated by Adriana Garcia. The picture book All Around Us was written in 2017 and received an honorable mention from The American Indian Youth Literature Award. I accessed this book electronically through the Chicago Public Library online database. Celebrate the ever-expanding circles that connect us all as you build a supportive and empathetic classroom community! If a service project is too big right now, think about starting simple acts of kindness. Watch The Circles Showon YouTube for some ideas. Invite learners to brainstorm simple things they can do to make the world a better place. Direct learners to commit to one activity and develop a plan to make it happen. The Hope for Families Center

During Reading

For this circle activity, instead of searching for hidden paper shapes, challenge kids to find items in their environment – the living room, classroom or garden – that have circular shapes.