The Respect Program - Addressing Bullying

08/11/2026

Sending Joy: Why Rhyme and Rhythm Matter

I wrote this little poem at an art festival. Someone was there inviting people to write a few kind words in a card that would later be given to someone who needed a little encouragement. I loved the idea. I also love light verse and the way rhythm and rhyme can make simple words memorable. Sending Joy Sending JoySending Light…...

I wrote this little poem at an art festival. Someone was there inviting people to write a few kind words in a card that would later be given to someone who needed a little encouragement. I loved th…

08/10/2026

Cultivating Diversity with Different, Beautiful Flowers

One of my favorite activities from the Respect Program focuses on cultivating diversity. When we talk about diversity, the goal isn't simply to celebrate our differences. It's also about learning how to live and work together. Cultivating diversity means actively listening to other people, learning about their backgrounds and experiences, and looking for the common ground that connects us....

One of my favorite activities from the Respect Program focuses on cultivating diversity. When we talk about diversity, the goal isn’t simply to celebrate our differences. It’s also abou…

08/09/2026

Sometimes We Need to Remember that Something Wonderful Could Come Next.

08/07/2026

The Red Wheelbarrow: The Beauty of Small Things

William Carlos Williams was a wonderful 20th-century American poet who had a true gift for writing poems that were simple and yet extremely powerful. One of his best-known poems is The Red Wheelbarrow. In just a few lines, he describes a red wheelbarrow near some chickens, glazed with rainwater. I like thinking about this poem. I have heard both adults and children express surprise at how short some of Williams' poems are and how odd the subjects can seem at first....

William Carlos Williams was a wonderful 20th-century American poet who had a true gift for writing poems that were simple and yet extremely powerful. One of his best-known poems is The Red Whe…

10/01/2025

The Respect Program has helped thousands of children since 2012 build literacy skills and explore the arts. We are moving from having a fiscal agent to building a board of directors to take the program statewide. If you have a passion for literacy and arts education and want to apply to be a board member. Send us a message via FB or send to [email protected]. Thanks!

Here is my back in 2012 when we got started :)

07/24/2022

Walt Whitman was born in the early 1800s on Long Island. During the Civil War, Walt Whitman's brother was hospitalized in Washington DC. When Whitman came from New York to see him, he was already passionate about the Union's cause. Seeing wounded soldiers in DC, he decided to become a volunteer nurse for the hospital. During his time there, he visited many soldiers, helped them compose letters home, and brought them little gifts....

Walt Whitman was born in the early 1800s on Long Island. During the Civil War, Walt Whitman’s brother was hospitalized in Washington DC. When Whitman came from New York to see him, he was alr…

07/09/2022

Edna St. Vincent Millay is one of the most important American poets of the first half of the 20th century. Her poetry is filled with carefully measured rhymes and imaginative themes that can inspire children today to write creatively. Millay published many books of poetry throughout her life and won a Pulitzer Prize in 1923. Her life was filled with exciting trips and good friends....

Edna St. Vincent Millay is one of the most important American poets of the first half of the 20th century. Her poetry is filled with carefully measured rhymes and imaginative themes that can inspir…

06/12/2022

Emily Dickinson is known for her great poetry and her shyness. While she rarely left her home, especially later in life, she adored her nieces and nephews and wrote often to family and friends. Her poetry includes timeless topics such as nature, death, hope, and kindness. One of her poems I share with elementary school children in the Respect Program is:...

Emily Dickinson is known for her great poetry and her shyness. While she rarely left her home, especially later in life, she adored her nieces and nephews and wrote often to family and friends. Her…

04/25/2022

I am always looking for great books to introduce children to through the Respect Program. In our digital age, getting children to read and discuss great stories with positive messages is more important than ever. I was therefore delighted to read Brook & Brax Undercover Ninjas recently and I want to encourage you to check it out for the children in your life....

I am always looking for great books to introduce children to through the Respect Program. In our digital age, getting children to read and discuss great stories with positive messages is more impor…

04/17/2022

I recently met Kelly Ann Guglietti, a wonderful children's author with a passion for helping children build their self-esteem and empathy to help protect them against bullying. The Red Pig is a wonderful book of hers for early elementary school children. In addition to the story, there is a section at the end of the book filled with activities and questions for children to answer about how to deal with bullying....

I recently met Kelly Ann Guglietti, a wonderful children’s author with a passion for helping children build their self-esteem and empathy to help protect them against bullying. The Red Pig is…