The Principal's New Clothes: Provides a Great Lesson on Telling the Truth

Every year in kindergarten our teachers read the book, The Principal's New Clothes by Stephanie Calmerson and then send home an activity for kids to complete for homework.  The homework includes a head shot of either our Principal or our Assistant Principal and instructions to create an outfit for them to wear.  Students cut out the head, glue it on a paper doll figure and then use their imagination to design some of the most unusual outfits you've ever seen.  They use everything from magazine pictures to cloth, construction paper and sequins.  It is one of our favorite hall decorations as we see whether Mrs. Kelly will show up as a character from Where the Wild Things Are or be decked out as a leprechaun for St. Patick's Day. Mrs. Crews is everything from Wonder Woman to a queen. Here are a few of my favorites courtesy of our creative kindergarteners:

Of course the book which is a school version of The Emperor's New Clothes, is a great lesson in itself.  When you see that someone is being terribly deceived, do you warn them and tell them the truth, even though it means taking the risk of losing your job or their friendship?  While it may seem that you are protecting your friend or coworker, are you really looking out for yourself and your own best interest?  What would you do?  These are all good questions to ask within the context of this classic story line as well in our daily lives. 

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