Book Review: The Jelly Donut Difference

Mondays after a break are always hard. After any break, I like to review procedures, routines, and expectations, and most importantly like to remind students that our classroom runs on love and kindness.

When I found out about The Jelly Donut Difference, I knew it would be the perfect book to share with my class following our break, and it didn’t disappoint! Below are some of the activities we did with the book!

Naturally, it seemed important we read the book 🙂

Anytime I read a book from an author we know and love, I bring out the other books we’ve read by that author. {You can click on any of the covers below to read more about them.} Seriously, Maria Dismondy is AMAZING! I was lucky to stumble upon Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun six years ago, and pretty much fell in love.

Before we actually read the story, told my students I wanted to welcome them back from spring break, with a little sweet treat! Enter jelly filled donuts, of course! Yum! {Shout out to Publix for having the PERFECT size jelly filled donuts.}

While my kiddos were eating their donuts, I read the book. It was so funny to hear the ah-ha’s that came when they realized they were eating a jelly-filled donut while reading a book called The Jelly Donut Difference! So sweet.

The Jelly Donut Difference is about twins, Leah and Dexter, who tend to act like siblings do, and argue or fight over just about anything. They learn that small acts of kindness can change someone’s whole day, and teach them to be thankful for each other.

After we finished the book, we brainstormed ways that we can be kind toward others with anchor chart called, “We are FILLED with kindness!” They’re ideas were so cute! I tried to steer them in the direction of what they could do for others at our school, and they thought of all the people I’d hoped they would: teachers, custodians, cafeteria workers, principal, and assistant principal.

Next, we had a little “cooking show” where we made Strawberry Jelly Cake (great idea from Teaching in Stripes). It was the perfect way to incorporate sequencing, following directions, math, and FUN!

I had this blank recipe up for the students to see while we actually made the cake. While it was cooking, we added the ingredients and directions on sticky notes (of course I forgot to take a picture of that though.)

I seriously can’t talk highly enough about this book! I love it as a teacher, but most importantly as a human who thinks the world could use a little more kindness in it! You can grab your own copy HERE (Amazon Affiliate link) or by clicking the picture below.