Foreword By Peggy Hoekenga
When I first read this book, I wondered how I could get a copy of it into the hands of as many young people as possible. The story is powerful, the truths are life-changing, and the possibilities are endless. There are principles in The Butterfly Effect that can empower our young people. If we could help them understand and believe the simple truth in these words, we could start our own butterfly effect across this nation.
This is a book that can be incorporated across the curriculum in multiple ways. Inspiring lessons in history, social studies, character education, and citizenship can all be taken from its pages. Any classroom teacher, counselor, or administrator can use this book to challenge our students to live lives that matter and encourage them to make a difference in their schools and communities.
While this curriculum guide is geared more for students in fifth to ninth grades, there are also sections for high school, and it can be adapted for younger students, older students, college students, and adults as well. I hope you will be inspired to use this book to make a difference in the lives of the students you touch every day. As teachers, we have an awesome responsibility. These young minds are like sponges, and they look to us for guidance, acceptance, and encouragement. Like it or not, we are role models and mentors for these impressionable youths. How will you use this time that you have with them to make a difference? I have given several suggestions on the following pages. You may decide to use one, two, or several of the activities.
It is no accident that this book is in your hands now. Use it to make a difference to one child. It may be the difference between success and failure for them. Who knows? You could be the one who inspires them to become the next Norman Borlaug!
Remember, it was a schoolteacher who, against overwhelming odds, led his troops to a victory that changed the course of the Civil War and the history of our great nation. One 34-year-old teacher! You can be that kind of teacher who helps your students believe in themselves and understand that everything they do really does matter!
Andy Andrews
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About the Curriculum Guide Author
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About the Curriculum Guide Author
Peggy Hoekenga is an assistant professor at the University of North Alabama, where she taught first grade at
Kilby Laboratory School for seven years and is currently beginning her fifth year as the Alabama Reading Initiative reading coach for grades K-6. She received her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the
University of Mississippi. In 2008, the Northwest Alabama Reading Council selected her as Reading Teacher of the Year. She currently lives in Florence, AL, with her husband of 34 years, Paul.
Andy Andrews
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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Summary............................................................................................................................p. 6
About the Author................................................................................................................p. 7
Before Reading
