Lesson Plan: Embracing Diversity with “Everyone, Just Like Me”
“Everyone, Just Like Me” by Carylee Carrington is a delightful children’s book that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Through vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, it shows young readers that although we all look different on the outside, we share a common humanity and the capacity to connect with one another.
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Duration: 2 Class Periods (approximately 20-30 minutes each)
Objectives:
- To introduce the concept of diversity and inclusivity through literature.
- To explore the book “Everyone, Just Like Me” by Carylee Carrington.
- To engage in discussions about different cultures, backgrounds, and the importance of kindness.
- To create a simple and inclusive art project.
Materials:
- Copies of “Everyone, Just Like Me” by Carylee Carrington
- Whiteboard and markers
- Art supplies (paper, markers, crayons)
- Images or illustrations representing diverse children from various cultures
- Small mirrors for each student (small handheld or provided digitally)
Procedure:
Day 1: Introduction to Diversity and Kindness
Opening (10 minutes):
1. Begin by discussing what it means to be a good friend and how we can show kindness to others.
Reading Activity (10 minutes):
2. Introduce the book “Everyone, Just Like Me” by Carylee Carrington, showing the cover and briefly mentioning that it celebrates different cultures and backgrounds.
3. Read a simplified version or excerpt of the book that focuses on diverse children from various cultures.
Discussion (10 minutes):
4. Engage the students in a discussion about the book’s themes:
- What did the children in the book have in common?
- How are they different from one another?
- Why is it important to be kind to everyone, no matter how they look or where they come from?
Day 2: Celebrating Diversity through Art
Self-Reflection Activity (10 minutes):
5. Provide a small mirror for each student or use a digital tool to allow them to see their own faces. Ask them to observe and appreciate their unique features.
Art Project (15 minutes):
6. Show the students images or illustrations representing diverse children from various cultures. Encourage them to choose one of these images as inspiration for their art project.
7. Ask each student to create a simple self-portrait that includes their own face and features, celebrating their unique appearance.
8. Provide art supplies (paper, markers, crayons) for the students to complete their self-portraits.
Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes):
9. Have each student share their self-portrait with the class and explain what makes them unique.
10. Discuss how embracing diversity and showing kindness to everyone makes our classroom a welcoming and happy place.
Assessment:
- Informal assessment through participation in discussions, creativity in self-portraits, and the reflection on kindness and diversity.
Conclusion:
This lesson plan aims to help kindergarten students begin to understand the importance of diversity, kindness, and inclusivity through the book “Everyone, Just Like Me” by Carylee Carrington. By discussing the book’s themes and engaging in a simple art project, students will learn valuable lessons about embracing differences and fostering a culture of kindness.
