Dear Children:

In all of the stories in my book, ELIJAH'S TEARS, Elijah or his sister Eliora do kind things for people. Here are some ideas from my Teacher’s Guide for acts of kindness or things to do to help others that relate to each story:

• “Elijah’s Tears”— Elijah loves to sing in this story. Gather together with classmates and present a concert for a younger class or for members of a nursing home.
• “Leaves”— Is someone new to your class or school? Is there a new store in neighborhood near the school? Think of a way to welcome them and help them feel like a part of the community.
• “The Tallis”—The old man who waited near the synagogue was hungry and cold. Work with your classmates to hold a food drive and/or clothing drive to gather food and/or clothes to give away to those who need them.
• “Eliora’s Gifts”—Eliora was a weaver. Pretend that she knew how to knit or crochet as well. See if a parent, teacher or student who knows how to knit could come to your classroom to teach you how. Make mittens, hats or scarves to give away to children and adults who need them during the wintertime.
• “Joseph the Potter”—Joseph the Potter loved to make things with his own hands. Make something with your own hands and give someone a surprise gift.

Did you try any of the above activities? How did people respond? Please email me and tell me all about it! Tell me your first name, how old you are and the name of your school. Let me know if you are homeschooled. Do you have any other ideas for acts of kindness that are connected in some way to the stories in the book?

Check back to this page to see your ideas posted as well as ideas from other children! Here is my email address: KindActs@StoryPearls.com. Thanks so much for writing!

Sincerely,

Sydelle Pearl