The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is a story about a relationship between a boy and a tree.  When the boy was young he and the tree became friends.   The tree is sort of like a provider for the boy and always gives him what he needs, such as vines to swing from, shade to sit in, apples to eat, branches to build a house, a trunk to build a boat, and a stump to sit on.  As the boy got older, the tree gave him more.  The tree gave the boy as much as she could to make him happy. 
This is such a heartfelt story and really builds on many of our character words.  I created the tree as a way for the student's to be able to share the kindness that another student has given them.  Kindness is not just “giving” kind gestures to "others", but recognizing when they “receive” it as well.  They love sharing about the acts of kindness.  The first week of every month we take a picture  of the student's with their leaves and hang them up on the tree.  By the end of the year, I am proud to say that the giving tree is full.