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• Arthur - "The Good Sport"
  When the Athlete of the Year Award doesn't go to Francine, she makes no effort to hide her hurt feelings from Jenna, the recipient. Michelle Kwan, world champion figure skater and graduate of Lakewood Elementary (who knew?), guest stars to teach Francine about good sports(wo)manship.
• Berenstain Bears - "The Jump Rope Contest"
  When Sister is picked to represent her school in the upcoming Jump Rope Contest, it goes to her head. All the adulation from her friends has Sister convinced she can't lose...that is until Lizzy helps her discover that her competition is just as skilled at rope jumping as she is, if not more so. Although all her boasting has set her up for a big fall, thanks to Mama and her friends, Sister learns that anyone who tries their best is a winner.

Do in Class

• Arthur: Appreciating Talents - Create awards to recognize each child's special skills.
• Arthur: Good for Me! - Invite children to illustrate something they have learned to do.
• Arthur: Good Sport - Explore the feelings associated with winning and losing. Model possible encouraging statements to say as a winner and a loser in a game.
• Clifford: Medal-riffic! - Make fun medals to reward children and reinforce important social skills that will help children interact more successfully with others at home, school, and playtime!
• Dragon Tales: Talent Pool - Have children share something they do well.
• George Shrinks: Section 4: Socio-Emotional Development: Three Inches Tall - Encourage students to appreciate their different sizes and abilities.
• Sagwa: Master of Mistakes - Help children see that mistakes happen to everyone.

Read

• The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
  By Steven Kroll
  Published Reissue September 1993 by Cartwheel Books
  Two mice -- one a house mouse, the other from the field -- work together to grow the biggest pumpkin ever to show the power of teamwork and what focusing on a goal can accomplish.
• Amazing Grace
  By Mary Hoffman
  Published September 1991 by Scott Foresman (Peason K-12)
  Grace's supportive mother and grandmother help her realize that she can accomplish anything if she puts her mind to it, no matter what others say or traditional roles for girls and children of color.

*As most PBS children's programs offer one year extended taping rights for teachers, please feel free to tape them now and save them for use in your classroom during the school year.