Educating Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

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Lesson 5: Our Similarities and Differences

Objectives: Students will:
1. Observe the things that make each of them different
2. Observe the similarities they share with one another
3. Recognize the significance of the similarities that we all share

Duration: 35 minutes

Materials:
1. Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

Procedures:
Part One: (10 minutes)

1. Gather students at the carpet area and explain to them that we are going to play a game. Explain to the
students that you are going to ask some questions. If their answer to the question is “yes” they should
stay at the carpet area, if their answer is “no” they should go across the room to the chalkboard.

2. Ask the following questions (begin with questions that will illustrate the differences in the group and
then lead to questions that will unify the group):
 Do you have read hair?
 Do you have brown hair?
 Is your favorite color blue?
 Is your favorite color purple?
 Do you have a sister?
 Do you ride the bus to school?
 Does your name have the letter A in it?
 Do you have a pet?
 Do you know the ABC song?
 Do you like surprises?
 Do you like the smell of stinky feet?
 Do you like recess?
 Do you get scared when you see a kitten?
 Do you like to play games with your parents?
 Do you get sad when you get hurt?
 Do you go to (name of school) Elementary?
(Questions can be added or removed according to the particular group of students)

Part Two: (15 minutes)
3. Read Whoever you Are by Mem Fox, engaging students in the reading (5 minutes)

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4. Tell the students to try and recall some of the things from our paper bags. Ask the students what were
some of the things that were different about us? Ask the students what were some of the things that
were similar about us? (Record answers in a Venn Diagram or T-chart on the board). Lead the
discussion to reveal that a lot of the things were the same about us were the things that made us happy or
sad. Explain how although we all may be different we all have the very same feelings. Allow the
students time to discuss and share some of their feelings that are the same or some examples that they
have recalled. (10 minutes)

Closure and Evaluation:
Part Three: Closing Discussion (10 minutes)

5. Going around the circle have each student share something special that they have learned about
themselves, someone else, or all people.

6. Explain that although we are all very different and unique we are also all very alike and although people
from all over the world may be very different and unique, they are also a lot like us too.

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Appendix:

Paper Bag Activity Letter to Parents:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In our classroom we have been getting to know one another and will be talking about what makes us different
and why our differences make us special. We will be doing an activity in class this week where we will all be
presenting things about ourselves. Your child has been provided with a paper bag and we ask that you help
them select the following items to put into their bag and present to the class:

 A picture of my family (can be a drawing if you do not have any photos available)
 A drawing of my home
 Something from my family’s favorite holiday
 Something that makes me happy
 Something that makes me cry

Please contact me if you have any additional questions about this assignment.

The due dates is_________________________________________.

Thank you,

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Wassily Kandinsky, Squares with Concentric Circles

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Are you a boy or girl?

Boy Girl

How many kids are in your family?

1 2 3 4 5 or more

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Do you have brothers or sisters?

Brothers only Sisters only Brothers and Sisters None

What do you like to do for fun?

Read Movies Sports Draw

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What is your favorite food?

Spaghetti Tacos Pizza Chicken Something
Nuggets else

What pet do you have?

Dog Cat Fish Other