SAINT FRANCIS UNIVERSITY
Loretto, PA 15940
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Teacher Brooke Meadows Grade 2
Subject ELA
Time Needed for Lesson 40 min. Lesson Concept Diversity
PA STANDARD(S):
CC.1.5: Speaking and Listening: Students present appropriately in formal speaking situations,
listen critically, and respond intelligently as individuals or in group discussions.
BIG IDEAS/ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
What makes us different from one another?
How can we talk about our differences respectfully?
ELIGIBLE CONTENT:
Standard - CC.1.5.2.A
Participate in collaborative conversations with peers and adults in small and
larger groups.
Standard - CC.1.5.2.B
Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information
presented orally or through other media.
OBJECTIVE(S):
During the lesson, students will correctly identify at least three characteristics of diversity.
MATERIALS:
Smartboard
Book — It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
Paper
Markers and crayons
Camera or phone
ACTIVITIES:
OPENING:
Invite students to sit in a circle on the floor.
Show a picture of yourself as a 2nd grader and share some details about your life since
then, such as children, pets, favorite foods, etc.
Tell the students you’d like to get to know them better too. Ask them to go around the
circle and share one true thing about themselves by completing the sentence: “One
true thing about me is _________________.”
Remind students to sit and listen respectfully when others are speaking.
BODY:
Introduce the topic of diversity by drawing student’s attention to their differences
and similarities. Ask students to stand up, if any of the following statements are true
about them: You are seven years old. You are wearing shoes with shoe laces. You like
football. You are wearing a gray shirt.
Ask the students if they can think of other differences to name.
Read It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr.
Discuss and ask questions: Do you know anyone who is like the characters in this
book? What do you think of the illustrations? Why do you think the author uses the
color he does? Which, if any, of these characters is like you? What message is the
author trying to send by writing this book?
Reference the ways students in our class are different and ask: Should we make
people feel badly about their differences, or should we celebrate them? Why it is
important to share our differences? Can they help us understand each other better?
Watch video: It’s Okay to Be Different at https://vimeo.com/116315562
Take the time to reflect on the video.
CLOSING:
Tell the students to think about what else could be a part of Todd Parr’s book and
have them draw a picture titled “Diversity means it’s okay to be ____________.”
As they finish their work, invite students to stand up in front of the class to present
their work.
Thank the students for letting you get to know them better. Say that you appreciate
all the ways our differences make for a unique an interesting learning community.
ACCOMMODATIONS/MODIFICATIONS:
Accommodations will be based on the specific needs of students. Directions will be repeated.
Those who need it will be given extra time to complete their work.
ASSESSMENT:
While students are working on their drawings, have informal conversations with individuals.
Ask them to name at least three characteristics of diversity and make note of those students who
are unable to do so.
SELF-ASSESSMENT/REFLECTION:
(To be completed after teaching the lesson.)
