WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART

Name: WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART
Author: Patricia C. McKissack

A story that explores service and opens a conversation with your child.

★★★★★ Loved by families

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♥ This book teaches: Service. using what you have to help others.

Before, During & After Reading

Guiding Questions for Parents.

Definition: Service is doing something nice or helpful for someone else. Summary: Even though James Otis Petway and his mother live in poverty, they generously decide to help an even less fortunate family in their neighborhood. As Mama makes an apron out of the only nice thing they have, a tablecloth, James ponders what he can contribute. His Mama reminds him that what really matters is giving something from the heart. James makes a book for Sarah, whose possessions were burned in the fire that destroyed their home. James’s book, “From My Heart to Your Heart”makes Sarah feel happy, in spite of all her losses. James and his mother also feel happy because their gifts were appreciated. Lesson Objectives:

Students will be more likely to value homemade gifts that are crafted from the heart.
Teachers can do a class crafts project, making something for those who are in need of a gift from the heart, a family member, seniors, veterans, children’s hospital patients, etc.

Guiding Questions:

What does “the power of kindness” mean to you?
The Petway family had some setbacks. What happened that made life more difficult?
What holiday prompted the idea of delivering “love boxes” to families in the community? How do you celebrate that holiday?
What is the most important thing to think about when considering a gift for someone?
Why does James hesitate about giving a gift to Sarah? What were some of the ideas he had?
Mama made something for Sarah’s mom. What was it and why was it so special?
Creating “love boxes” was a yearly service arranged by the church this family attended. Would you like to give or get a “love box”?
There’s a saying, “what you give out comes back.” Did this happen to James and his Mama? Explain.
Have you ever given a gift you made to someone? What did you make and how did you feel about giving it?
Think of someone who might appreciate a gift from you, create it, and give it.

🌿 Virtue Connection: Service means using what you have been given to help others.

About the Story.

This guide is part of the Values & Virtues library, a free collection of 400+ book guides and activities organized around 12 core virtues for children from pre-K to 6th grade. Each guide includes Guiding Questions designed to open a real conversation with your child in 10 minutes or less.

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Service · Family Discussion Guide

WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART

by Patricia C. McKissack

Guiding Questions

Students will be more likely to value homemade gifts that are crafted from the heart.
Teachers can do a class crafts project, making something for those who are in need of a gift from the heart, a family member, seniors, veterans, children’s hospital patients, etc.

Guiding Questions:

What does “the power of kindness” mean to you?
The Petway family had some setbacks. What happened that made life more difficult?
What holiday prompted the idea of delivering “love boxes” to families in the community? How do you celebrate that holiday?
What is the most important thing to think about when considering a gift for someone?
Why does James hesitate about giving a gift to Sarah? What were some of the ideas he had?
Mama made something for Sarah’s mom. What was it and why was it so special?
Creating “love boxes” was a yearly service arranged by the church this family attended. Would you like to give or get a “love box”?
There’s a saying, “what you give out comes back.” Did this happen to James and his Mama? Explain.
Have you ever given a gift you made to someone? What did you make and how did you feel about giving it?
Think of someone who might appreciate a gift from you, create it, and give it.

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WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART

Guiding Questions for Parents.

About the Story.

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WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART

Guiding Questions