Main Message: This Project Cornerstone book of the month, One, by Kathryn Otoshi has the main theme of acceptance and tolerance. It talks to kids about how one voice can count and affect change. Many times we think, “I'm so small. What can I do?" But we do have an effect! It's about changing thinking. When one person stands up for something, it might be just enough to tip the next person over and inspire him or her to also stand up.

ONE builds assets from these categories:

• Boundaries and Expectations (Positive Peer Influence)

• Positive Values (Integrity)

• Social Competencies (Interpersonal Competence, Resistance skills)

• Positive Identity (Personal Power, Self-Esteem, Positive Cultural Identity)

Students learn two vital lessons: It just takes ONE to make a difference and that EVERYONE counts.

Story summary: One’s words and actions as an UP-stander show the colors that they have power to control their own responses to bully behaviors. This applies to the digital world too. By supporting each other, the colors are no longer easy targets for Red’s bucket dipping. Vital lessons on the importance of belonging and inclusion are addressed in the final pages of the book. By giving Red the opportunity to change his behavior, we see that offering second chances is a way to make everyone feel that they count.

Ask your child about what messages they learned from reading the book One and what they remember from the roleplaying lesson activity in class. To reinforce the message at home:

• Talk about ways that each family member counts!

• Role-play ways to de-escalate conversations using a calm tone of voice, positive words, and comforting body language.

• Practice ways to stand tall using positive body language.

For more information on Project Cornerstone please visit www.projectcornerstone.org

Additional websites: Interview with the author, Kathryn Otoshi. More information on Digital Citizenship for your 4th- 6th grader Webonaunts shows students how to be a good citizen online Fit for Learning has great ideas for healthy life styles for families, schools and individuals. Some resources are also available in Spanish.