Peace Corps

• Subject(s): Social Studies & Geography, Cross-Cultural Understanding
• Grade Level(s): 3–5, K–2
• Related Publication: E-book | Self

Overview

Each of us has unique characteristics that make us not only look different from one another, but also act differently. These characteristics include our likes and dislikes, as well as our talents and abilities. These characteristics can help children understand that we each have worth and are a vital part of our world. Students will also see that although we are different, there are also many things that make us similar.

Procedures

Activity Ideas

• My Mobile of Discovery
  Help your students create a mobile that represents them. This mobile will contain a large figure of the student in the center which can be drawn, painted, or made using different colors of construction paper. Surrounding the figure, students can add several "favorite" items which will represent many of the characteristics mentioned in the e-book, such as favorite hobbies, toys, pets, or talents. This mobile will help students see their unique characteristics. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss the many similarities they share with their classmates and with the children in the e-book.
• My Collage
  Discuss with your students some of the characteristics which make them different. These can include physical characteristics (e.g., eye color, hair color, and height); characteristics of their personality (e.g. being friendly, being helpful, being funny); or special interests they have. Using magazines, have students cut out as many pictures as they like that represent themselves. Have the students assemble the photos into a collage. These photos will be a window into their world and allow them to introduce themselves to others. Use the cover of the e-book as an example of a collage.
• My Name (Acrostic Poem)
  Write the name of each child on a separate piece of paper. This can be done vertically or horizontally. Leave a little space between each letter. Have the students find words for each letter in their name that they feel best describes them. Have students work in pairs or small groups to foster self-esteem; they can aid one another by recommending positive vocabulary words. Students may choose to add a small photo or drawing of themselves to illustrate their poems. Display the poems around the room or compile them into a class book.
• Working Together
  Have all the students in your class work together on a project such as a mural or a class garden. Discuss how successful and beautiful the project is because everyone worked together, and brought unique skills, talents, and ideas to the project.

Role Play

• Role Play
  Have students create a puppet or figure made out of construction paper to represent them. Using their puppet or figure, have students describe themselves using phrases such as, "I have...", "I am...", and "I like...". They can also use statements such as: "What I like about myself is..."or "Something I do well is..." Students can then describe others in the class using words such as: "I like her/him because...", "He/She is good at..."