As teachers, we all know that academic skills and concepts are not the only things that we teach. In fact, many social emotional learning concepts are woven into out days. One important rule we teach is using our best manners in and out of the classroom. The book Do Unto Otters is a wonderful children’s book with the simple philosophy of doing unto others as you would like them to do to you.
In the book Do Unto Otters, a family of otters moves in next door to a rabbit. He is hesitant at first because he knows nothing about otters. He then remembers the golden rules of treating others how you would want to be treated. This book shows that kind manners, respect, and sharing are a strong base for great friendships and getting along.
If this isn’t the perfect book for beginning of the year new friendships, I don’t know what is! Your children will love this adorable story and I have some fantastic activities and resources to help your students dig into the language arts and social emotional learning concepts found in this book.
Do Unto Otters Vocabulary Activity
When we dive into any book, it is important for students to understand the key terms and phrases used throughout the book. I love this vocabulary chart. It highlights manner words used in the story and has them matched to their definition through cutting and pasting.
Students will take a closer look at words like please, thank you, excuse me, and considerate. All while learning their meaning, why we use it, and when it is a good idea to say the phrases. This is also a fun activity for students because it is hands-on!
Breaking things down into little bite-size pieces is the key to students’ understanding and comprehension!
Do Unto Otters Anchor Chart
An anchor chart is a fantastic way to preview an entire story on one big bright poster and get children engaged in the process. With your students, you will put together Mr. Rabbit. There are different images to represent how to treat others, such as helping each other and sharing. Get your class together and decide which word labels that fit the different pictures.
There are also blank word bubbles you can add with your own pictures as well. This is a great activity to involve the entire class and get learning about proper manners! You can hang this up in the classroom when you are done, so students can always reference it.
“We Can Get Along” Rabbit Craft
I really love this rabbit craft because it gives students a chance to let their own creativity shine. In this Do Unto Otters activity, students will get to create their very own Mr. Rabbit. There is a cut and paste rabbit outline, but they will have to draw the nose, mouth, and hands..so each one will be unique!
In the thought bubbles, students will draw and write ways that will help them get along with others. They can write about being polite, honest, friendly, and whatever else they can come up with. It’s a great way for students to process what they learned from this cute story.
This will showcase their own personal opinions on what it means to have manners and treat others with respect.
Do Unto Otters Mystery Picture
In this fun activity students will get to use numbers and logic. After they shade in all the correct blocks, it will uncover a mystery picture. Students won’t know what their picture will unveil until they get to the end of the activity. This picture is of the character Mr. Rabbit from the book. This is a fun and engaging activity that will get students thinking and will be a fun surprise at the end. Everyone loves a good surprise, right? Let students guess who they think the picture will be of before they start for extra fun and mystery!
Grab the Entire Bundle!
Do Unto Otters is the perfect book to kick off the year, setting expectations and standards for your classroom. It teaches about manner, kindness, compassion and respect..all crucial parts of a happy, healthy classroom. It isn’t just amazing for a back to school book, it can be used year round to revisit classroom values. The activities that go along with the book help children comprehend key concepts and learn about the values being taught. You can grab all these activities and more in this fantastic, simple to use bundle. Be sure to check it out and use what you feel is the best fit for you students! I hope you love these engaging, hands on activities as much as I do!
Save These Do Unto Otters Social Emotional Learning Activities
Pin this to your favorite classroom Pinterest board so you can quickly and easily come back and find these hands-on, book based activities for your classroom!
