On the Day You Were Born by Debra Fraiser

I was inspired and touched when I read this book. It would be excellent to use as a way to expose a class to the beauty of language and the intricate way we can describe our thoughts and feelings through writing. It also teaches children that every one  is special and valued regardless of the life they lead outside  the classroom. The simple introduction of  different aspects from migration to parts of the universe can provide a great learning device for students.  I would have students bring their baby pictures. We would have them displayed without names and the students would try to guess who is who.  We would have discussion of their experiences of being an older  or younger sibling, welcoming a new baby to the family, or the stories how they were welcomed by their brothers and sisters. We would then talk about how our lives change when someone new enters our lives, whether that person is a new brother or sister,  a new parent,  a new neighbor,  or new classmate. Each student would tell one thing that makes them special.  Students would have to think about what parts of natural world  they would like to have welcome them and tell why they chose that particular thing.