Lesson 215: Appreciating differences

Objective

I can notice that people are different in many ways and still be kind and respectful. I can use words that appreciate differences instead of teasing or being unkind.

Materials

• Plain paper or a notebook page
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Optional: small hearts or star stickers to mark kind appreciation ideas

Mini-lesson — People can be different and special

Guided Practice — Kind difference scripts

You and an adult will practise kind scripts to use when you notice a difference.

1. On a notebook page, draw three speech bubbles in a column. Number them 1, 2, and 3.
2. In bubble 1, the adult helps you write or trace: "We like different things and we can still be friends."
3. In bubble 2, write or trace: "That is interesting." or "I like how you do that."
4. In bubble 3, write or trace a sentence for when you feel unsure, such as: "If I have a question, I can ask the teacher later."
5. Next to each speech bubble, draw two stick figures who look a little different from each other (for example, different hair, height, or hobbies).
6. Practise reading the three bubbles aloud with the adult. Take turns being the person who speaks and the person who hears kind words.

Tracing Pad

Lines Primary lines Baseline only Grid Blank Trace (none) different special unique respect kind include culture language welcome friend

Pen Clear

Tip: As you trace, say a sentence such as "Different is okay. I can be kind."

Practice — Our different, special class

Use this practice to help your child notice kind differences in their class or family and talk about them with respect.

1. On a new page, draw three columns and label them: "How we look", "What we like", and "What we are good at".
2. In the first column, help the child draw or write gentle examples like "curly hair", "glasses", "different skin colors" or "freckles".
3. In the second column, add pictures or words for different interests, such as "football", "drawing", "reading", or "music".
4. In the third column, write or draw things people are good at, like "helping", "building", "running", or "making others laugh".
5. Talk with the child: "Which differences do you like in our class or family?" and "How can we show that these differences are special, not bad?"
6. Place a small heart or star next to ideas that make the child smile. Remind them that their own differences are also important and special.

Quick Check — Appreciating differences

Answer each question about noticing differences, using kind words, and including others.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)