Diversity

Topic: Diversity

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will understand that everyone is different and has unique qualities and characteristics.
• Students will be able to appreciate and celebrate the differences between people.

Materials

• Photo album with pictures of people from different ethnic groups and cultures (e.g., Asian, African-American, Hispanic, Native American, etc.)
• Copies of the poem "Apples and Bananas" (see Lesson Plan below for lyrics)
• Construction paper and crayons for each student

Warm-up

• Have students stand up and stretch their bodies and limbs in different ways, such as by raising their arms in the air, bending over and touching their toes, or spinning in circles. Have them discuss what they feel and what they notice about their bodies.
• Introduce the topic of diversity and mention that today they will be learning about how everyone is different and how to appreciate all of our differences.

Direct Instruction

• Show the students pictures or illustrations of people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. Ask them to name the people or groups that they see and what they think their differences are.
• Discuss the differences that the students identified and explain that everyone is unique and has different abilities, interests, and backgrounds. Emphasize the importance of respecting and valuing all people, regardless of their differences.

Guided Practice

• Divide the students into small groups and give each group a set of pictures or illustrations of people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds.
• Have the students work together to brainstorm as many different characteristics as they can about each person they see. Encourage them to be creative and think about anything that makes the person different from others.
• Once the students are finished, have them share their ideas with the class and discuss any common themes or differences in their responses.
• Ask the students if they have any questions or comments about the differences they have observed among people.

Independent Practice

• Give each student a piece of blank paper and have them draw a picture of themselves. Encourage them to include any special characteristics or traits that make them different from others.
• Once they are finished, have the students share their pictures with the class and discuss any common themes or differences in their responses.
• Ask the students if they have any questions or comments about the differences they have observed among their classmates.

Closure

• Remind the students that despite our various differences, we are all unique and special in our own ways.
• Ask the students to reflect on the lesson and think about ways they can appreciate and respect the differences among their peers and others.

Assessment: Observe the students during the discussion and presentation to assess their understanding of the concept of diversity and their ability to appreciate and respect differences.

• Administer a quiz or worksheet to assess the students' knowledge of the different cultural traditions and practices represented in the classroom.