Grade One: English Language Arts
Students will develop an understanding five general outcomes: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences. Comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts. Manage ideas and information. Enhance the clarity and artistry of communication and respect. Support and collaborate with others.
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences
Abuela
Come join Rosalba and her grandmother, her Abuela, on a magical journey as they fly over the streets, sights, and people of New York City.
Come join Rosalba and her grandmother, her Abuela, on a magical journey as they fly over the streets, sights, and people of New York City.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Students write about an older family member (grandparent, aunt, uncle) that they have a special relationship with. What do they like to do together? Where do they spend time together? What have they learned from them?
-Draw a picture of you and your family member doing something you often do together - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Sandwich Swap
The smallest things can pull us apart until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference. In a glorious three-page gatefold at the end of the book, Salma, Lily, and all their classmates come together in the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
The smallest things can pull us apart until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference. In a glorious three-page gatefold at the end of the book, Salma, Lily, and all their classmates come together in the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Before reading, discuss a time they had a conflict with a friend, how did they solve it?
- After reading, discuss what they felt was the authors message? Is it an important message? Why?
- Students can use the dialogue in this story to practice fluency and convey emotion - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America
America has been molded and shaped by those who have taken a stand and said they have had enough. In this dynamic picture book, stand alongside the nation’s most iconic civil and human rights leaders, whose brave actions rewrote history.
America has been molded and shaped by those who have taken a stand and said they have had enough. In this dynamic picture book, stand alongside the nation’s most iconic civil and human rights leaders, whose brave actions rewrote history.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Before reading, discuss what it means to stand up for something or somebody they think is important
- After reading, discuss why it is important to stand up for what you believe in and what this might look like - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Ella Queen of Jazz
Ella Fitzgerald sang the blues and she sang them good. Ella and her fellas were on the way up! It seemed like nothing could stop her, until the biggest club in town refused to let her play… and all because of her color. But when all hope seemed lost, little did Ella imagine that a Hollywood star would step in to help.
Ella Fitzgerald sang the blues and she sang them good. Ella and her fellas were on the way up! It seemed like nothing could stop her, until the biggest club in town refused to let her play… and all because of her color. But when all hope seemed lost, little did Ella imagine that a Hollywood star would step in to help.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- In a music context, can introduce Ella as a musician who made beautiful music, and the challenges she faced when trying to share her talents with the world
- After reading, discuss why it is important to stand up for what you believe in and what this might look like - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala
The inspiring true story of Malala Yousafzai, human rights activist and the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, from debut author/illustrator Lina Maslo. Celebrate the power of one young woman speaking up for change with Free as a Bird. This beautiful nonfiction picture book is perfect for sharing at home or in the classroom.
The inspiring true story of Malala Yousafzai, human rights activist and the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, from debut author/illustrator Lina Maslo. Celebrate the power of one young woman speaking up for change with Free as a Bird. This beautiful nonfiction picture book is perfect for sharing at home or in the classroom.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Before reading, have students brainstorm what they enjoy about school and why it is important
- After reading, discuss why it is important to stand up for what you believe in and what this might look like - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world. In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as “colored computers,” and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.
They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world. In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as “colored computers,” and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Before reading, have a discussion on the word "persistence". What does this mean? What might it look like?
- After reading, have a class discussion on times that students persisted through something that was difficult or challenging. What did they learn from that experience? What can they learn from the NASA mathematicians? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Little Sid: The Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha
Join Little Sid as he sets off on a journey of discovery and encounters mysterious wise-folk, terrifying tigers, and one very annoying mouse. With Lendler’s delightful prose and Bouma’s lyrical artwork, Little Sid weaves traditional Buddhist fables into a classic new tale of mindfulness, the meaning of life, and an awakening that is as profound today as it was 2,500 years ago.
Join Little Sid as he sets off on a journey of discovery and encounters mysterious wise-folk, terrifying tigers, and one very annoying mouse. With Lendler’s delightful prose and Bouma’s lyrical artwork, Little Sid weaves traditional Buddhist fables into a classic new tale of mindfulness, the meaning of life, and an awakening that is as profound today as it was 2,500 years ago.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Before reading, have students predict what the story is about based on the cover. Where might it be taking place? What do you think the story is about?
- After reading, have students discuss/write/draw the favourite part of the story, or practice sequencing skills by retelling the story in various ways - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Mae Among the Stars
Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space. This book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.
Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space. This book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Before reading, have a discussion on what each student dreams of doing when they are older and why
- After reading, have students brainstorm encouraging words that would help themselves and others gain success - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind
A touching story about Japanese American children who corresponded with their beloved librarian while they were imprisoned in World War II internment camps.
A touching story about Japanese American children who corresponded with their beloved librarian while they were imprisoned in World War II internment camps.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Before reading, have a discussion on the role of the school librarian and what they do for the school
- After reading, have students write a letter to the school librarian about why they appreciate their work in the school - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Baseball Saved Us
During the Second World War, the U.S. government wrongfully interned Japanese Americans in camps. (At the time, the Canadian government interned Japanese Canadians, too, but this story takes place in the U.S.). Baseball Saved Us is the story of a family who were interned, and the in-camp baseball league that the father and son set up. It offers an age-appropriate, yet realistic picture of the bleak conditions, and details the injustice of what interned Japanese Americans faced, but also the strength and self-preservation that many of them showed in the face of extreme discrimination.
During the Second World War, the U.S. government wrongfully interned Japanese Americans in camps. (At the time, the Canadian government interned Japanese Canadians, too, but this story takes place in the U.S.). Baseball Saved Us is the story of a family who were interned, and the in-camp baseball league that the father and son set up. It offers an age-appropriate, yet realistic picture of the bleak conditions, and details the injustice of what interned Japanese Americans faced, but also the strength and self-preservation that many of them showed in the face of extreme discrimination.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Discussion throughout the story to support new vocabulary
- Discussion on how the story and it's characters demonstrates hope, courage, and endurance
- Draw a picture and write about a time you felt that you did not belong or fit in. Prompts: Why did you feel that way? What did you do to make yourself feel better or resolve the situation? Who did you ask for help? What advice do you have for someone experiencing exclusion? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Red Thread: An Adoption Fairy Tale
There is an ancient Chinese belief that an invisible, unbreakable red thread connects all those who are destined to be together. A king and queen rule a beautiful and peaceful land. They should be full of joy and contentment, but they both feel a strange pain that worsens every day. Then a peddler's magic spectacles reveal a red thread pulling at each of their hearts. The king and queen know they must follow the thread-wherever it may lead. Grace Lin's lovely adoption fairy tale is for all children-and the parents who would search the world to find them.
There is an ancient Chinese belief that an invisible, unbreakable red thread connects all those who are destined to be together. A king and queen rule a beautiful and peaceful land. They should be full of joy and contentment, but they both feel a strange pain that worsens every day. Then a peddler's magic spectacles reveal a red thread pulling at each of their hearts. The king and queen know they must follow the thread-wherever it may lead. Grace Lin's lovely adoption fairy tale is for all children-and the parents who would search the world to find them.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion about how families come in all different shapes and size and are formed in just as many different ways
- Students can draw a picture to illustrate their family - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story
Yasmeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American girl, celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan, The Night of the Moon" (Chaand Raat), and Eid. With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a window into modern Muslim culture-and into the ancient roots from within its traditions have grown.
Yasmeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American girl, celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan, The Night of the Moon" (Chaand Raat), and Eid. With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a window into modern Muslim culture-and into the ancient roots from within its traditions have grown.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the traditions and celebrations they practice with their families, commonalities between them
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Arctic Stories
This trio of stories about a 10-year-old girl named Agatha is based on the childhood experiences of beloved Inuit author Michael Kusugak. The book begins with a tale of Agatha 'saving' her community from a monstrous flying object. The book also includes the story of Agatha being sent away for school, "The nuns did not make very good mothers and the priests, who were called fathers, did not make very good fathers," Kusugak writes.
This trio of stories about a 10-year-old girl named Agatha is based on the childhood experiences of beloved Inuit author Michael Kusugak. The book begins with a tale of Agatha 'saving' her community from a monstrous flying object. The book also includes the story of Agatha being sent away for school, "The nuns did not make very good mothers and the priests, who were called fathers, did not make very good fathers," Kusugak writes.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Talk about how different cultures have stories, explore a variety of cultural stories
- Have a guest speaker come in to talk about their culture and how they experience it
- Discuss stories told to them by their families - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
From Far and Wide: A Canadian Citizenship Scrapbook
This story is about a little girl’s memories of becoming a Canadian citizen. In her scrapbook, Xiao Ling captures moments of becoming a citizen of Canada. From the recitation of the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to the singing of the national anthem and the welcoming party afterward with all of its tantalizing treats, the day is filled with memories for the new Canadians. This story is a useful resource about the process of becoming a Canadian citizen.
This story is about a little girl’s memories of becoming a Canadian citizen. In her scrapbook, Xiao Ling captures moments of becoming a citizen of Canada. From the recitation of the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to the singing of the national anthem and the welcoming party afterward with all of its tantalizing treats, the day is filled with memories for the new Canadians. This story is a useful resource about the process of becoming a Canadian citizen.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Have a sharing day where students bring photos, stories, artifacts from their families earliest memories/experiences in Canada
- What are examples of being a good citizen? (in school, community, and beyond) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Each Kindness
When Ms. Albert teaches a lesson on kindness, Chloe realizes that she and her friends have been wrong in making fun of a new student’s clothes and refusing to play with her. Also available on Bookflix (free account through LearnAlberta).
When Ms. Albert teaches a lesson on kindness, Chloe realizes that she and her friends have been wrong in making fun of a new student’s clothes and refusing to play with her. Also available on Bookflix (free account through LearnAlberta).
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Have a "Spreading Kindness Day/Week" where students intentionally perform acts of kindness
- Discussion topics: prejudging, inclusive vs exclusive, regret
- Class could do their own sharing time while they drop a rock into water to watch the ripples - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
We're Different, We're The Same
Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside - but it's important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike. We all have the same needs, desires, and feelings. Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it's our differences that make this wonderful world, which is home to us all, an interesting - and special - place.
Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside - but it's important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike. We all have the same needs, desires, and feelings. Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it's our differences that make this wonderful world, which is home to us all, an interesting - and special - place.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Brainstorm a class list of similar needs, feelings, and desires
- Talk about how each of us are different and are the same
- Have a person cut-out and have students all draw their own version of their heart, face, clothes, etc. then discuss how we all have slightly different similar aspects about ourselves - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
I Am Human: A Book of Empathy
I Am Human shows that it’s okay to make mistakes while also emphasizing the power of good choices by offering a kind word or smile or by saying “I’m sorry.” At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family—millions strong.
I Am Human shows that it’s okay to make mistakes while also emphasizing the power of good choices by offering a kind word or smile or by saying “I’m sorry.” At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family—millions strong.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on empathy, share how it was shown in the story - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All
In poetic stanzas, IntersectionAllies introduces the stories of nine kids from diverse backgrounds. Authors Carolyn Choi, LaToya Council, and Chelsea Johnson use each character’s story to explain how children’s safety concerns are shaped by their intersecting identities, such as class, sexuality, dis/ability, race, religion, and citizenship—what is known in academic and activist circles as “intersectionality.”
In poetic stanzas, IntersectionAllies introduces the stories of nine kids from diverse backgrounds. Authors Carolyn Choi, LaToya Council, and Chelsea Johnson use each character’s story to explain how children’s safety concerns are shaped by their intersecting identities, such as class, sexuality, dis/ability, race, religion, and citizenship—what is known in academic and activist circles as “intersectionality.”
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion about intersectionality
- Our identities are made up of lots of different parts of who we are, discuss the idea of different but equal
- How can we as a school community make sure we are taking care of each other?
- What are the different parts of their identity that they are proud of?
- Create a poem or piece of writing with an "I am...." theme.
- Create a self portrait. How can they highlight their unique identities (use the illustrations in the book as examples)? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing, read aloud available
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
You Hold Me Up/Ki Kîhcêyimin Mâna
This vibrant picture book encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other's well-being in their every-day actions. Award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.
This vibrant picture book encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other's well-being in their every-day actions. Award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on how we take care of each other and make amends when we have done something to hurt someone
- Create a class mural depicting ways that they take care of each other and make amends - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Islandborn
When Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can't remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby. As she draws closer to the heart of her family's story, Lola comes to understand the truth of her Abuela's words: “Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you.”
When Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can't remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby. As she draws closer to the heart of her family's story, Lola comes to understand the truth of her Abuela's words: “Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you.”
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion: What did the words “Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you.” mean?
- What is a place that is important to you and your family? How does it contribute to making you who you are?
- Draw a picture of this place, write a poem about the connection between it and yourself - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Sometimes People March
This is a timeless and important book for activists of all ages. Throughout history, one thing remains true: no matter how or why people march, they are powerful because they march together.
This is a timeless and important book for activists of all ages. Throughout history, one thing remains true: no matter how or why people march, they are powerful because they march together.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the power of a group of people, sharing about times they may have gone to a march or protest - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Side by Side/Lado a lado (Bilingual Spanish-English Children's Book)
This bilingual book focuses on the collaborative leadership of two inspiring activists, Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, and the history of the multiracial movement to improve working conditions for farmworkers. Beginning with stories from their childhoods, this dual biography can engage young readers in imagining how they might grow up to work for justice — and provide hope that people can create change. ¡Si Se Puede!
This bilingual book focuses on the collaborative leadership of two inspiring activists, Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, and the history of the multiracial movement to improve working conditions for farmworkers. Beginning with stories from their childhoods, this dual biography can engage young readers in imagining how they might grow up to work for justice — and provide hope that people can create change. ¡Si Se Puede!
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion about how people are shaped by their experience
- Write an "I am from..." poem - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Saturday
In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong–ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they’d been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown…until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all.
In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong–ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they’d been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown…until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion about special activities they do with a parent or family member - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Rabbit Listened
How to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.
How to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion about the different ways we can comfort and support someone
- Share about how it feels when someone listens to you when you need it - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
My Papi Has a Motorcycle
When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighbourhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she's always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her. But as the sun sets purple-blue-gold behind Daisy Ramona and her papi, she knows that the love she feels will always be there.
When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighbourhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she's always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her. But as the sun sets purple-blue-gold behind Daisy Ramona and her papi, she knows that the love she feels will always be there.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Discussion on how change can be difficult, sharing what changes have happened in their lives that were positive or negative. Even when things change, somethings remain the same
- What are things they think stay the same in their life?
- Create a community map, have students create symbols or images to include all the places in the community that are special to them - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
A Map into the World
As the seasons change, so too does a young Hmong (ethnic group in China) girl's world. She moves into a new home with her family and encounters both birth and death. As this curious girl explores life inside her house and beyond, she collects bits of the natural world. But who are her treasures for?
As the seasons change, so too does a young Hmong (ethnic group in China) girl's world. She moves into a new home with her family and encounters both birth and death. As this curious girl explores life inside her house and beyond, she collects bits of the natural world. But who are her treasures for?
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Create nature art (e.g. leaves, rocks, sticks, berries for paint, etc.)
- Talk about what love, family, and friendship means for each student
- Talk about how students can seek connection and beauty in a busy world - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
A Big Bed for Little Snow
Little Snow loves the new big, soft bed Mommy made him for the long, cold winter nights. But Mommy says this bed is for sleeping, not jumping. What happens when he can't resist jump, jump, jumping on his new fluffy, bouncy bed?
Little Snow loves the new big, soft bed Mommy made him for the long, cold winter nights. But Mommy says this bed is for sleeping, not jumping. What happens when he can't resist jump, jump, jumping on his new fluffy, bouncy bed?
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discuss the feelings Little Snow experienced in the story about his new bed
- Have students create art based on what bedtime, sleep and dreams means to them (i.e. their favourite pair of pyjamas or stuffy, what kinds of sheets, blankets, or textiles make them feel coziest, the night sky and constellations, what they love to dream about)
- Use watercolours and prints inspired by the artwork in the book - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Day You Begin
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud for the first days/weeks of school
- Discuss what the first day of something new, like school, can feel like and brainstorm ideas about how we can help everyone to feel welcome on their first days
- Create posters for the classroom or school with inspirational messages and pictures to help everyone feel safe and welcome - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
What If We Were All The Same!: A Children's Book About Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion
What If We Were All The Same! embraces all of our beautiful differences. Aimed to help children understand there are many great reasons for being friends with those who are different than they are. Whether they have red hair or brown hair, green eyes or blue eyes, long legs or short legs, light skin or dark skin, glasses, uses a wheelchair or anything else, it's absolutely okay. Our differences are what makes us unique and if we truly think about it, would you want to be the exact same as someone else?
What If We Were All The Same! embraces all of our beautiful differences. Aimed to help children understand there are many great reasons for being friends with those who are different than they are. Whether they have red hair or brown hair, green eyes or blue eyes, long legs or short legs, light skin or dark skin, glasses, uses a wheelchair or anything else, it's absolutely okay. Our differences are what makes us unique and if we truly think about it, would you want to be the exact same as someone else?
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about concepts of diversity, respect, self-identity, being unique, confidence, and inclusion
- Create lists or drawings of their own unique talents and skills, then share these lists as a class and display them in the classroom with a photo of each child
- Create self portraits that highlight the unique identity, skills, interests and talents of each student, then display them in the classroom and host a gallery walk inviting each student to talk about their art - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Stone Thrower
Chuck Ealey grew up poor in a racially segregated community that was divided from the rest of town by a set of train tracks, but his mother assured him that he wouldn’t stay in Portsmouth forever. Education was the way out, and a football scholarship was the way to pay for that education. Despite the racist taunts he faced at all the games he played in high school, Chuck maintained a remarkable level of dedication and determination. And when discrimination followed him to university and beyond, Chuck Ealey remained undefeated.
Chuck Ealey grew up poor in a racially segregated community that was divided from the rest of town by a set of train tracks, but his mother assured him that he wouldn’t stay in Portsmouth forever. Education was the way out, and a football scholarship was the way to pay for that education. Despite the racist taunts he faced at all the games he played in high school, Chuck maintained a remarkable level of dedication and determination. And when discrimination followed him to university and beyond, Chuck Ealey remained undefeated.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Class discussion on race and segregation, talk about how Chuck felt about himself while playing football and how he felt when others belittled his dreams because of his race
- Writing prompts about how words, actions, and unfair laws can make people feel about themselves, highlighting the importance of respect and speaking up when we see things that are unfair
- Have students create lists or drawings of their own unique talents, interests and skills, or of what kind of job they would like to try when they're older. Write sentences to describe and explain about their pictures share these as a class and display them in the classroom with a photo of each child - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Let’s Talk About Race
In the book Let’s Talk About Race, Lester gets right to the heart of the matter. He’s Black, but there’s more to him than his race. While it’s important for kids to understand that people have many different skin tones, it’s also essential for kids in this age group to see the similarities between people of different races, religions and cultures to help them connect with them and push past biases and stereotypes they may encounter. As Lester says, “I am a story. So are you. So is everyone.”
In the book Let’s Talk About Race, Lester gets right to the heart of the matter. He’s Black, but there’s more to him than his race. While it’s important for kids to understand that people have many different skin tones, it’s also essential for kids in this age group to see the similarities between people of different races, religions and cultures to help them connect with them and push past biases and stereotypes they may encounter. As Lester says, “I am a story. So are you. So is everyone.”
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about concepts of diversity, respect, race, self-identity, being unique, confidence, and inclusion
- Have students begin to write their own story using questions from the book as a guide
- *Caution: Be sure to avoid messages of colour-blindness that could arise from the reading of this book. Rather, encourage students to respect and honour each other's differences, and the way they contribute to our unique identities and experiences in a diverse world - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Other Side
Written from the perspective of a young Black girl named Clover who lives in a segregated town, this fictional book, illustrated with watercolours, tells the story of Clover and her neighbour, a white girl named Annie, who become friends despite the line that divides their worlds.
Written from the perspective of a young Black girl named Clover who lives in a segregated town, this fictional book, illustrated with watercolours, tells the story of Clover and her neighbour, a white girl named Annie, who become friends despite the line that divides their worlds.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Discussion about the purpose of fences, boundaries, rules, is it ever okay to break a rule?
- Students could think about ways that they could invite students to join them if they notice someone that is often alone - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
What Do You Celebrate?: Holidays and Festivals Around the World
What Do You Celebrate? presents 14 special occasions where people dance, dress up, eat yummy foods, and enjoy other fun traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Kids can travel the globe and learn about Fastelavn, Purim, the Cherry Blossom Festival, Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Halloween, Day of the Dead, Guy Fawkes Day, the German Lantern Festival, and more. Each spread showcases a different holiday, offering background and cultural context, vocabulary words, photographs, and instructions for festive projects.
What Do You Celebrate? presents 14 special occasions where people dance, dress up, eat yummy foods, and enjoy other fun traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Kids can travel the globe and learn about Fastelavn, Purim, the Cherry Blossom Festival, Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Halloween, Day of the Dead, Guy Fawkes Day, the German Lantern Festival, and more. Each spread showcases a different holiday, offering background and cultural context, vocabulary words, photographs, and instructions for festive projects.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the traditions and celebrations they practice with their families, commonalities between them
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Celebrations Around the World: The Fabulous Celebrations You Won't Want To Miss
Embark on an exciting journey through the most interesting and important festivals, celebrations, and holidays enjoyed by people around the world. Stunning original illustrations and fascinating facts will inspire and inform children about cultures and religions from the countries of the world.
Embark on an exciting journey through the most interesting and important festivals, celebrations, and holidays enjoyed by people around the world. Stunning original illustrations and fascinating facts will inspire and inform children about cultures and religions from the countries of the world.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the traditions and celebrations they practice with their families, commonalities between them
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Night Before Hanukkah
It's the night before the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah begins, and everyone is excited. Each evening, the family gathers to light the candles and share holiday traditions such as playing dreidel, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts.
It's the night before the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah begins, and everyone is excited. Each evening, the family gathers to light the candles and share holiday traditions such as playing dreidel, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on the concepts of community, family, diversity, holidays, celebrations, traditions, friendship, generosity, empathy, and love
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Día de los Muertos (Celebrate the World)
At the end of October each year, it’s time to celebrate an ancient tradition: Dia de los Muertos. With vibrant illustrations by Golden Globe–winning Mexican illustrator Jorge Gutierrez, this festive board book teaches that Dia de los Muertos honours ancestors and loved ones who have passed. From sugar skulls to papel picado, this is a holiday that truly commemorates the cycle of life.
At the end of October each year, it’s time to celebrate an ancient tradition: Dia de los Muertos. With vibrant illustrations by Golden Globe–winning Mexican illustrator Jorge Gutierrez, this festive board book teaches that Dia de los Muertos honours ancestors and loved ones who have passed. From sugar skulls to papel picado, this is a holiday that truly commemorates the cycle of life.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the traditions and celebrations they practice with their families, commonalities between them
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Ramadan
In the ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, when the first crescent moon rises in the sky, it’s time to celebrate Ramadan. In this lovely book with illustrations from Rashin Kheiriyeh, readers learn that Ramadan is a time to reflect on ourselves, to be thankful, and a time to help others.
In the ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, when the first crescent moon rises in the sky, it’s time to celebrate Ramadan. In this lovely book with illustrations from Rashin Kheiriyeh, readers learn that Ramadan is a time to reflect on ourselves, to be thankful, and a time to help others.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
-Discussion on the traditions and celebrations they practice with their families, commonalities between them
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
A Kids Book About Racism
This kids book is about racism. With clear descriptions of what racism is and how it makes victims feel, this book can help parents start the conversation early with their kids.
This kids book is about racism. With clear descriptions of what racism is and how it makes victims feel, this book can help parents start the conversation early with their kids.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about concepts of diversity, respect, race, self-identity, being unique, confidence, and inclusion
- Discuss melanin and the way it influences the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes
- Create posters for the classroom and school with positive messages of anti-racism and respect to show that your school community supports anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Bedtime Bonnet
This joyous and loving celebration of family is the first-ever picture book to highlight Black nighttime hair traditions--and is perfect for every little girl who knows what it's like to lose her bonnet just before bedtime.
This joyous and loving celebration of family is the first-ever picture book to highlight Black nighttime hair traditions--and is perfect for every little girl who knows what it's like to lose her bonnet just before bedtime.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discuss the feelings of the main character, and how she felt with and without her bonnet
- Have student think, pair, share about what their own bedtime routines look like at home
- Have students write about and create art based on what bedtime, sleep and dreams means to them (i.e. their favourite pair of pyjamas, bonnet, or stuffy, what kinds of sheets, blankets, or texiles make them feel coziest, the night sky and constellations, what they love to dream about). Compile these art and writing pieces to make a classroom bedtime book - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Fresh Princess
Meet Destiny—a cool, energetic, and strong-willed young girl who approaches every day with her own signature style. That is, until she moves to a brand-new neighbourhood, where nothing looks quite the same as it did at her old house. Even with new challenges and new friends to make, Destiny always has a plan. With a few reminders from her loving family and after remembering what being the Fresh Princess is all about, she may just take the leap and jump right in.
Meet Destiny—a cool, energetic, and strong-willed young girl who approaches every day with her own signature style. That is, until she moves to a brand-new neighbourhood, where nothing looks quite the same as it did at her old house. Even with new challenges and new friends to make, Destiny always has a plan. With a few reminders from her loving family and after remembering what being the Fresh Princess is all about, she may just take the leap and jump right in.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud for the first days/weeks of school. Discuss how the character felt throughout the story and what helped her to stay positive in the face of challenges
- Discussion on the concepts of inclusion, diversity, friendship, confidence, and kindness
- Discuss what the first day of something new, like school, can feel like and brainstorm ideas about how we can help everyone to feel welcome on their first days
- Create posters for the classroom or school with inspirational messages and pictures to help everyone feel safe and welcome - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The King of Kindergarten
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark. He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm. And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark. He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm. And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud for the first days/weeks of school
- Discuss what the first day of something new, like school, can feel like and brainstorm ideas about how we can help everyone to feel welcome on their first days
- Create posters for the classroom or school with inspirational messages and pictures to help everyone feel safe and welcome - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment
A visit to Washington, DC’s National Portrait Gallery forever alters Parker Curry’s young life when she views First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait.
A visit to Washington, DC’s National Portrait Gallery forever alters Parker Curry’s young life when she views First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Class discussion on concepts of self-identity, confidence, representation, and personal characteristics and qualities
- Look at an image of the actual portrait of Michelle Obama that inspired this book and learn more about her life and accomplishments
- Have students create their own self portraits and then add words around their image that describe their ow unique qualities and talents. Create fancy gallery frames to display these artworks in and display them in the classroom and hold a gallery walk to appreciate each other's unique personalities and portraits - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Hey Black Child
Six-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and four-time Caldecott Honour recipient Bryan Collier brings this classic, inspirational poem to life, written by poet Useni Eugene Perkins.
Six-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and four-time Caldecott Honour recipient Bryan Collier brings this classic, inspirational poem to life, written by poet Useni Eugene Perkins.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Class discussion on concepts of self-identity, race, confidence, representation, and personal characteristics and qualities
- Have students create lists or drawings of their own unique talents, interests and skills, or of what kind of job they would like to try when they're older. Write sentences to describe and explain about their pictures, and display them in the classroom with photos of each child behind their drawings. Then have their peers, other classes, or students' families try to guess which grown up drawings are of which child
- Have students create their own self portraits and then add words around their image that describe their ow unique qualities and talents. Create fancy gallery frames to display these artworks in and display them in the classroom and hold a gallery walk to appreciate each other's unique personalities and portraits - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
I Got The Rhythm
On a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her- from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers everything is musical. She sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat, finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on!
On a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her- from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers everything is musical. She sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat, finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on!
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and incorporate the sounds and movements that the character expresses in the book
- Create a legend using chart paper and markers to write the sounds/movements and draw the actions that accompany them for more visual literacy support. Point to them when they come up in the story and act them out
- Have students generate a list of sounds and actions that they can create in the classroom with their bodies or everyday class materials (i.e. shaking something, stomping on a surface, using an object in a creative way to make a noise, etc), then work together as a group to create a class song or rhythm that incorporates each student's unique expressions. Display the song on chart paper and practice along until the students are ready to perform for others in the school or their families - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Dream Big, Little One
Among these women, you'll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things -- bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come
Among these women, you'll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things -- bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about concepts of diversity, respect, race, gender, self-identity, being unique, talent, confidence, and inclusion
- Class discussion on each individual discussed in the book, their talents, how they made a difference in their community and what qualities they showed (i.e. perseverance, bravery, kindness, generosity, etc)
- Writing prompts about how words, actions, and unfair laws can make people feel about themselves, highlighting the importance of respect and speaking up when we see things that are unfair (advocacy and activism), even if they might not directly affect us (demonstrating allyship)
- Use as part of a larger classroom focus on advocates/activists for racial justice and create a space in the classroom to display photos of these folks with materials for students to write about them. Could also have students chose specific figures from the book to do a more focused research project on - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Rocket Says Look Up!
Meet Rocket--a plucky aspiring astronaut intent on getting her community to LOOK UP! from what they're doing and reach for the stars in this auspicious debut picture book.
Meet Rocket--a plucky aspiring astronaut intent on getting her community to LOOK UP! from what they're doing and reach for the stars in this auspicious debut picture book.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about Rocket's passion for space, and how she inspired others in her family and community to come together for a special experience
- Brainstorm ideas as a class of things that they feel interested or passionate about and how they would like to inspire others to experience this
- Create space themed art inspired by the story by finding actual images of comets, stars and planets, and having students recreate the images using various art materials and techniques - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Discussion on why Faizah's mom said, "The first day of wearing Hijab is important. It means being strong." Why did Asiyah have to be strong? What does it mean to "drop" hurtful words?
- Students can share about a special bond they have with a family member or friend that gives you strength - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged
In 1946, a Black Nova Scotian woman named Viola Desmond refused to leave her seat in what was then a whites’-only area of a movie theatre. This picture book tells her story with striking illustrations, and offers a fantastic example of standing up for your rights, even when there are strong consequences.
In 1946, a Black Nova Scotian woman named Viola Desmond refused to leave her seat in what was then a whites’-only area of a movie theatre. This picture book tells her story with striking illustrations, and offers a fantastic example of standing up for your rights, even when there are strong consequences.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about concepts of diversity, respect, race, self-identity, being unique, confidence, and inclusion
- Class discussion on race and segregation. Talk about how Viola felt when she was treated unfairly and hurtfully by the movie theatre, police, and the judges who heard her case. Discuss why the police and judges upheld the unfair segregation laws, and why it is important for us to learn about this history
- Writing prompts about how words, actions, and unfair laws can make people feel about themselves, highlighting the importance of respect and speaking up when we see things that are unfair, even if they might not directly affect us (demonstrating allyship)
- Use as part of a larger classroom focus on Canadian advocates/activists for racial justice and create a space in the classroom to display photos of these figures with materials for students to write about them - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Coming on Home Soon
Set during WWII, Woodson’s story is about a young African American girl named Ada Ruth whose mother leaves their rural home to work in Chicago in support of the war effort.
Set during WWII, Woodson’s story is about a young African American girl named Ada Ruth whose mother leaves their rural home to work in Chicago in support of the war effort.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discuss times when students had to wait with patience and hope for someone or something
- Create a watercolour visual on how hope makes each student feel - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
I am Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was the first black person to play Major League Baseball. But getting to that point meant that he faced a lot of racism in his life, and had to work doubly hard to prove he was just as good as the white players. I am Jackie Robinson is a picture book that offers readers an inside look into his life growing up and playing ball, and all of the challenges he faced.
Jackie Robinson was the first black person to play Major League Baseball. But getting to that point meant that he faced a lot of racism in his life, and had to work doubly hard to prove he was just as good as the white players. I am Jackie Robinson is a picture book that offers readers an inside look into his life growing up and playing ball, and all of the challenges he faced.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Discussion on race and segregation. Talk about how Jackie Robinson felt about himself while playing baseball, and how he felt when others belittled his dreams because of his race
- Writing prompts about how words, actions, and unfair laws can make people feel about themselves, highlighting the importance of respect and speaking up when we see things that are unfair, even if they might not directly impact us (demonstrating allyship)
- Have students create lists or drawings of their own unique talents, interests and skills, or of what kind of job they would like to try when they're older. Write sentences to describe and explain about their pictures. Share these as a class and display them in the classroom with a photo of each child - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Story of Ruby Bridges
This is the true story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges, who in 1960, bravely faced crowds of angry white people protesting her attendance at a previously all-white school in New Orleans. This book will hopefully teach kids about the injustice and hardships Ruby faced, as well as inspire them to stand up for what’s right like she did.
This is the true story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges, who in 1960, bravely faced crowds of angry white people protesting her attendance at a previously all-white school in New Orleans. This book will hopefully teach kids about the injustice and hardships Ruby faced, as well as inspire them to stand up for what’s right like she did.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Why do you think she continued to go to school? What may have motivated her? What strengths did she show at this young age — what does this story reveal about her character?
- Write a letter to Ruby Bridges to express their gratitude for sharing her story, asking questions, and telling what they have learned from her and how they can honour her legacy
Mailing address for her foundation is:
Ruby Bridges
P.O. Box 870248
New Orleans, LA 70187
Email address is: [email protected] - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
All the Colors We Are: Todos los colores de nuestra piel/The Story of How We Get Our Skin Color
This bilingual (English/Spanish) book offers children a simple, scientifically accurate explanation about how our skin color is determined by our ancestors, the sun, and melanin. It''s also filled with colorful photographs that capture the beautiful variety of skin tones. Reading this book frees children from the myths and stereotypes associated with skin color and helps them build positive identities as they accept, understand, and value our rich and diverse world.
This bilingual (English/Spanish) book offers children a simple, scientifically accurate explanation about how our skin color is determined by our ancestors, the sun, and melanin. It''s also filled with colorful photographs that capture the beautiful variety of skin tones. Reading this book frees children from the myths and stereotypes associated with skin color and helps them build positive identities as they accept, understand, and value our rich and diverse world.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion about skin colour being skin deep, skin is one part of what makes us who we are, as humans we have more things in common in different
- Class mural with painted hand prints
- Mixing tempera colours to find their personal skin tone.
- Discussion follow up: What was challenging about mixing your special skin color? Is your skin all one colour? Is your palm the same color as skin on other parts of your hand? What have you learned about the color of people’s skin? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Secret of the Dance
Another way the Canadian government oppressed Indigenous peoples was by banning their ceremonies, like the potlatch. Picture book Secret of the Dance teaches kids about this element of Canada’s history through the story of nine-year-old Watl’kina, whose family holds a banned potlatch in defiance of the government.
Another way the Canadian government oppressed Indigenous peoples was by banning their ceremonies, like the potlatch. Picture book Secret of the Dance teaches kids about this element of Canada’s history through the story of nine-year-old Watl’kina, whose family holds a banned potlatch in defiance of the government.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Discussion about tradition, family, resilience and hope
- Examine the art in the story, look at the picture from the beginning of the book and the end of the book, What is different? What has changed? Why? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Diwali: A Cultural Adventure
Diwali is the story of a brave hero, an evil villain, and an epic battle. Join Ram on his adventure to defeat darkness and despair. Journey through time in India to learn about why Diwali came to be and how we celebrate it today!
Diwali is the story of a brave hero, an evil villain, and an epic battle. Join Ram on his adventure to defeat darkness and despair. Journey through time in India to learn about why Diwali came to be and how we celebrate it today!
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the traditions and celebrations they practice with their families, commonalities between them
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Hammering For Freedom
Born into slavery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, William "Bill" Lewis learned the blacksmith trade as soon as he was old enough to grip a hammer. He proved to be an exceptional blacksmith, and earned so much money fixing old tools and creating new ones that he was allowed to keep a little money for himself. With just a few coins in his pocket, Bill set a daring plan in motion: he was determined to free his family.
Born into slavery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, William "Bill" Lewis learned the blacksmith trade as soon as he was old enough to grip a hammer. He proved to be an exceptional blacksmith, and earned so much money fixing old tools and creating new ones that he was allowed to keep a little money for himself. With just a few coins in his pocket, Bill set a daring plan in motion: he was determined to free his family.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion on perseverance, determination, hope, and how William Lewis embodied them
- Share a part of the story that gave them a powerful feeling and why - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
I Will Save My Land
Mati pesters her grandmother and father for her own plot of land in the big field. When she does get it, she works hard. Then she hears that a company wants to make a coal mine in their village – the enormous black pit that will eat up all their lands, like it has in the next village.
Mati pesters her grandmother and father for her own plot of land in the big field. When she does get it, she works hard. Then she hears that a company wants to make a coal mine in their village – the enormous black pit that will eat up all their lands, like it has in the next village.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion about why Mati cared so deeply about her land
- Discuss questions about "who owns the land?" and "what does the land mean to the people who live on it?" - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Scholastic Canada Biography: Meet Viola Desmond
On the night of November 8th 1946, Nova Scotia businesswoman Viola Desmond stood up for her right to be in the “unofficial” whites-only section of a New Glasgow movie theatre . . . and was arrested for it. Supported by the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NSCAACP) and the black-owned newspaper The Clarion, Viola took her quest for the right to freedom from discrimination to the courts. While she ultimately did not succeed, she was a beacon to other early civil-rights activists. Her sister Wanda worked hard to promote Viola's legacy, which has been finally honoured by Viola's inclusion on the new Canadian $10 bill.
On the night of November 8th 1946, Nova Scotia businesswoman Viola Desmond stood up for her right to be in the “unofficial” whites-only section of a New Glasgow movie theatre . . . and was arrested for it. Supported by the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NSCAACP) and the black-owned newspaper The Clarion, Viola took her quest for the right to freedom from discrimination to the courts. While she ultimately did not succeed, she was a beacon to other early civil-rights activists. Her sister Wanda worked hard to promote Viola's legacy, which has been finally honoured by Viola's inclusion on the new Canadian $10 bill.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion about Civil Rights
- Mini-history lesson about some types of oppression people of colour faced (and continue to face today) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
G.O 2: Comprehend & respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
Lailah's Lunch Box: A Ramadan Story
Story about a child who moves from Abu Dhabi and is excited to be fasting for Ramadan, but worried other kids won't know what the holiday is.
Lailah's Lunch Box: A Ramadan Story
Story about a child who moves from Abu Dhabi and is excited to be fasting for Ramadan, but worried other kids won't know what the holiday is.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion on shared experiences of moving to a new place, making new friends, feeling unsure about what people might think of you
- Draw a picture about a cultural tradition you celebrate in your family - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother's hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices. A fresh cut makes boys fly. This rhythmic, read-aloud title is a celebration of the way boys feel when they leave the barber's chair.
The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother's hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices. A fresh cut makes boys fly. This rhythmic, read-aloud title is a celebration of the way boys feel when they leave the barber's chair.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.2: Construct meaning from texts - Suggested use:
- Classroom discussion about self-identity, being unique, confidence and self-love
- Students can do a think, pair, share on their favourite qualities about themselves
- Have students make a list of all the things they love about themselves and turn these into poems like in the book. Compile these poems along with a photo of each child for a classroom book - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Momma, Did You Hear the News?
Little Avery becomes concerned after seeing another police shooting of an unarmed man. His parents decide it is time to have “The Talk”. They teach him and his brother a catchy chant to help remember what to do if approached by an officer, while also emphasizing that all policemen are not bad. A to the L to the I-V-E…come home ALIVE….THAT is the key!
Little Avery becomes concerned after seeing another police shooting of an unarmed man. His parents decide it is time to have “The Talk”. They teach him and his brother a catchy chant to help remember what to do if approached by an officer, while also emphasizing that all policemen are not bad. A to the L to the I-V-E…come home ALIVE….THAT is the key!
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion about what it means to feel safe and the reality that some people don't feel safe
- Discussion about some of the things others take for granted, not having to have "The Talk" - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story
One way to introduce young readers to the concepts of anti-semitism and the Holocaust is by teaching them about the helpers that saved lives during that time. Chihune Sugihara was the Japanese consul to Lithunia in 1940, when Jewish refugees from Poland arrived at the consulate trying to get visas to Japan so they could escape the Nazis. This book is based on the words of Sugihara’s son Hiroki, who was five years old when his father rescued an estimated 10,000 Jewish people by granting them travel papers in spite of his home country’s orders not to do so.
One way to introduce young readers to the concepts of anti-semitism and the Holocaust is by teaching them about the helpers that saved lives during that time. Chihune Sugihara was the Japanese consul to Lithunia in 1940, when Jewish refugees from Poland arrived at the consulate trying to get visas to Japan so they could escape the Nazis. This book is based on the words of Sugihara’s son Hiroki, who was five years old when his father rescued an estimated 10,000 Jewish people by granting them travel papers in spite of his home country’s orders not to do so.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion on bravery, empathy, rules, is it ever okay to break a rule?
- Examine the illustrations in the book. Why did the artist use brown (sepia) tones instead of bright colors? What mood(s) do the illustrations create? What do the characters’ faces show about how they feel? How do people’s hands help explain the story? How do students think the artist felt about the story? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Binny's Diwali
Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favourite holiday. But she struggles to find the words.Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious pedas and jalebis. And she shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which look so pretty all the children ooh and aah. Featuring a heartwarming story by Thrity Umrigar, enchanting illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, and detailed information about the Hindu festival of lights, Binny's Diwali is a holiday treat.
Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favourite holiday. But she struggles to find the words.Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious pedas and jalebis. And she shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which look so pretty all the children ooh and aah. Featuring a heartwarming story by Thrity Umrigar, enchanting illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, and detailed information about the Hindu festival of lights, Binny's Diwali is a holiday treat.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on the concepts of community, family, diversity, holidays, celebrations, traditions, friendship, generosity, empathy, and love
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions
- Create art inspired by fireworks - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Jabari Jumps
Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board.
Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.2: Construct meaning from texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion on what determination and courage mean
- Share times that they have wanted to do something but were scared
- How have they been helped to over come fears? (family member, friend, story or other form of inspiration)
- Draw a picture that illustrates the time you overcame a fear - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
A Girl Like Me
Empower young readers to embrace their individuality, reject societal limitations, and follow their dreams. This inspiring picture book brings together a poem by acclaimed author Angela Johnson and Nina Crews's distinctive photo collage illustrations to celebrate girls of colour.
Empower young readers to embrace their individuality, reject societal limitations, and follow their dreams. This inspiring picture book brings together a poem by acclaimed author Angela Johnson and Nina Crews's distinctive photo collage illustrations to celebrate girls of colour.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Talk about individuality
- How does each student show their uniqueness?
- Explore what makes each student unique and create an art piece to celebrate it (drawing of the student, photo collage of what represents the student, etc.) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
All Because You Matter
Described as a Black mother’s love letter to her son, a beautiful, poetic picture book that discusses microaggressions about names, representation, and fears. A great conversation starter for the younger grades on race and culture. It also references police brutality victims Trayon, Philando, Tamir.
Described as a Black mother’s love letter to her son, a beautiful, poetic picture book that discusses microaggressions about names, representation, and fears. A great conversation starter for the younger grades on race and culture. It also references police brutality victims Trayon, Philando, Tamir.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Use this book to identify ways the boy matters, and how that translates to all children
- Create visual representations of their similes - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
We Are Water Protectors
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption―a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption―a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Imagine what it would be like to not have access to clean water. Why did the people in this story want to protect the water?
- Students draw a picture and write about they think is important to protect
- Discuss how we use clean water, and why it is important in our daily lives - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Use to build background knowledge about Juneteenth - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
I am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ordinary People Change the World)
Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America.
Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discuss who Martin Luther King, Jr. was and what he did for the Civil Rights Movement - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Indigenous family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Indigenous family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Have students share if they have something similar to fry bread in their culture
- Make your own fry bread in the classroom using the recipe in the back of the story - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Mrs. Katz and Tush
Mrs. Katz and Larnel are neighbors that have agreed to take care of an abandoned kitten named Tush. When Larnel starts spending more and more time with Mrs. Katz to help with Tush, she tells him stories about coming to America from Poland and about the good times she spent with her late husband. As Larnel grows to love Mrs. Katz, he also learns about the common themes of hardship and triumph in each of their cultures.
Mrs. Katz and Larnel are neighbors that have agreed to take care of an abandoned kitten named Tush. When Larnel starts spending more and more time with Mrs. Katz to help with Tush, she tells him stories about coming to America from Poland and about the good times she spent with her late husband. As Larnel grows to love Mrs. Katz, he also learns about the common themes of hardship and triumph in each of their cultures.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Class can create a Venn diagram to capture the similarities and differences between the two main characters
- Discussion on what the students think this story teaches them about friendship - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word that Cherokee people use to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the Cherokee New Year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by Traci Sorell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrated by Frané Lessac, this nonfiction look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word that Cherokee people use to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the Cherokee New Year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by Traci Sorell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrated by Frané Lessac, this nonfiction look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
- Curriculum connection:
-2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion on gratitude, what makes you feel thankful, how do you show gratitude
- Learn about shell shakers and their significance to the Cherokee people
- Choose a few illustrations from the story for students to analyze; how did the illustrator capture the author's message? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Thread of Love
It’s time for the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan, the celebration of the special lifelong relationship shared by brothers and sisters everywhere. Join two sisters as they lovingly make rakhi—thread bracelets adorned with beads, sequins, sparkles, and tassels—for their brother. And then see their brother present them with toys and sweets and special gifts!
It’s time for the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan, the celebration of the special lifelong relationship shared by brothers and sisters everywhere. Join two sisters as they lovingly make rakhi—thread bracelets adorned with beads, sequins, sparkles, and tassels—for their brother. And then see their brother present them with toys and sweets and special gifts!
- Curriculum connection:
-2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Students create a rahki that you can share with a sibling or special family member or friend
- Students share the things that they love about their siblings or other special people - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Charlie Takes His Shot: How Charlie Sifford Broke the Color Barrier in Golf
Charlie Sifford loved golf, but in the 1930's only white people were allowed to play in the Professional Golf Association. Sifford had won plenty of Black tournaments, but he was determined to break the color barrier in the PGA. In 1960 he did, only to face discrimination from hotels that wouldn’t rent him rooms and clubs that wouldn’t let him use the same locker as the white players. But Sifford kept playing, becoming the first Black golfer to win a PGA tournament and eventually ranking among the greats in golf.
Charlie Sifford loved golf, but in the 1930's only white people were allowed to play in the Professional Golf Association. Sifford had won plenty of Black tournaments, but he was determined to break the color barrier in the PGA. In 1960 he did, only to face discrimination from hotels that wouldn’t rent him rooms and clubs that wouldn’t let him use the same locker as the white players. But Sifford kept playing, becoming the first Black golfer to win a PGA tournament and eventually ranking among the greats in golf.
- Curriculum connection:
-2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion on discrimination and what this might look like in real-world situations - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Let the Children March
In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept Black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison’s emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson’s moving and poetic words document this remarkable time.
In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept Black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison’s emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson’s moving and poetic words document this remarkable time.
- Curriculum connection:
-2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the purpose of protests in real-world situations
- One-word stories: students share a word they would use to represent the story or how they felt about the story - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
G.O 5: Respect, support, and collaborate with others
The Name Jar
Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will not like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Ultimately, Unhei realizes her own Korean name is the one she wants to choose.
The Name Jar
Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will not like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Ultimately, Unhei realizes her own Korean name is the one she wants to choose.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Students can conduct an interview with their parents about the origin of their name, it's significance and meaning, and why it was chosen for them
- Create a piece of art or an acrostic poem with their name
- How did the main character Unhei change over time? Why?
- What did the author do with his words and pictures to help you understand how she had changed? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Grandfather Counts
Helen’s grandfather from China arrives in Canada to live with his family. Although the two are initially shy of each other, they eventually bond over the experience of teaching each other to count in their first languages. The story illustrates the challenge of keeping family bonds despite language and cultural differences.
Helen’s grandfather from China arrives in Canada to live with his family. Although the two are initially shy of each other, they eventually bond over the experience of teaching each other to count in their first languages. The story illustrates the challenge of keeping family bonds despite language and cultural differences.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Discussion where students can share about an older family member (grandparent, aunt, uncle) that they have a special relationship with. What do they like to do together? Where do they spend time together? What have they learned from them?
- Discussion on the multiple ways that we communicate other than through language - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Your Name is a Song
Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names. Video of author demonstrating how to pronounce the names from the story.
Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names. Video of author demonstrating how to pronounce the names from the story.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Students can conduct an interview with their parents about the origin of their name, its significance and meaning, and why it was chosen for them
- Create a piece of art or an acrostic poem with their name - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Going Down Home with Daddy
In this rich and moving celebration of history, culture, and ritual, the book explores the power of family traditions.
In this rich and moving celebration of history, culture, and ritual, the book explores the power of family traditions.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Discussion about what home means for each student and draw or create an art piece
- Have students do research on their family history and present their findings
- Talk about what traditions and rituals mean - have the students come up with their own classroom tradition (e.g. show-and-share every Friday)
- Talk about the experiences of being in a multi-generational family - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Same, Same But Different
Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different.
Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about concepts of diversity, respect, self-identity, confidence, and inclusion
- Brainstorm ideas as a class about the differences and similarities that each character discovered in the story. Use a Venn diagram as a visual for the students to understand the concepts of same and different. Have students work in pairs using Venn diagram graphic organizers to create lists and pictures of what they have in common with each other, and what is different about themselves
- Set up a penpal exchange for as a class - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
All Are Welcome
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yamulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps.
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yamulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Discussion about why the author felt that this was an important message to share. Are there space where people don't feel welcome. How can we ensure all people feel welcome at our school?
- Create "All Are Welcome Here" posters to put up in the school that advocate for and illustrate a space in which all students feel welcome - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Under My Hijab
Under My Hijab honours the diverse lives of contemporary Muslim women and girls, their love for each other, and their pride in their culture and faith. Also comes with a teacher's guide.
Under My Hijab honours the diverse lives of contemporary Muslim women and girls, their love for each other, and their pride in their culture and faith. Also comes with a teacher's guide.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Have students share an article of clothing that they feel represents them or is special to them
- Students can capture their new understandings about hijab by completing the thought outline, "I used to think.....but now I know...." - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Kookum's Red Shoes
An elderly Kookum (grandmother) recounts her experiences at residential school - a time that changed her forever. The book has been described as running parallel to the story of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. "Her tornado had arrived. It rushed up and slammed to a halt just past the wonder world she had created," writes Eyvindson. Throughout the story Kookum reveals what was lost in her life, and how goodness persisted.
An elderly Kookum (grandmother) recounts her experiences at residential school - a time that changed her forever. The book has been described as running parallel to the story of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. "Her tornado had arrived. It rushed up and slammed to a halt just past the wonder world she had created," writes Eyvindson. Throughout the story Kookum reveals what was lost in her life, and how goodness persisted.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.2: Relate texts to culture - Suggested use:
- Discussion on what it means to have courage, to have hope, and how Kookum demonstrated those traits
- Students can share about something that they longed for and finally got - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
First Laugh--Welcome, Baby!
The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. Readers are introduced to details about Navajo life and the Navajo names for family members. Back matter includes information about other cultural ceremonies that welcome new babies and children, including man yue celebration (China), sanskaras (Hindu) and aquiqa (Muslim).
The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. Readers are introduced to details about Navajo life and the Navajo names for family members. Back matter includes information about other cultural ceremonies that welcome new babies and children, including man yue celebration (China), sanskaras (Hindu) and aquiqa (Muslim).
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Students can interview their parents about their families traditions or celebrations around the birth of a new baby. What did they do to welcome/celebrate the child's birth or arrival? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
When We Were Alone
When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long braided hair and wear beautifully coloured clothing?
When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long braided hair and wear beautifully coloured clothing?
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.2: Relate texts to culture - Suggested use:
- Discussion about things that they love about their hair, clothing, language, relationships with family
- Have them imagine and share how they would feel if those things were taken away or changed without their permission - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Seeing into Tomorrow
Seeing into Tomorrow celebrates the lives of contemporary African American boys and offers an accessible introduction to one of the most important African American writers of the twentieth century.
Seeing into Tomorrow celebrates the lives of contemporary African American boys and offers an accessible introduction to one of the most important African American writers of the twentieth century.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Create a photo-collage of the students at play, use as representation of diversity in classroom
- Have students make their own haiku about their everyday moments - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Cambodian Dancer: Sophany's Gift of Hope
The Cambodian Dancer is the true story of a Cambodian refugee—a dancer and teacher—who built a life in the US after fleeing the Khmer Rouge. She became a counselor to other Cambodian refugees and created a school of dance for children. Her gift of hope was to teach children in the Cambodian community the traditional dances of Cambodia so that young people growing up far away from the land of their ancestors would know about their culture.
The Cambodian Dancer is the true story of a Cambodian refugee—a dancer and teacher—who built a life in the US after fleeing the Khmer Rouge. She became a counselor to other Cambodian refugees and created a school of dance for children. Her gift of hope was to teach children in the Cambodian community the traditional dances of Cambodia so that young people growing up far away from the land of their ancestors would know about their culture.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion about hobbies and passions, how they might feel if those were taken away
- How do cultural arts contribute to someone's identity? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Lohri: The Bonfire Festival
Join Ajeet and Rakha as they explore their favorite holiday. Lohri: The Bonfire Festival, is a fun-filled and colorful introduction to the winter harvest festival of Punjab, India. Children of all ages will enjoy the rhymes in both English and Punjabi as they learn more about the culture and traditions that have been celebrated this way since the fifteenth century.
Join Ajeet and Rakha as they explore their favorite holiday. Lohri: The Bonfire Festival, is a fun-filled and colorful introduction to the winter harvest festival of Punjab, India. Children of all ages will enjoy the rhymes in both English and Punjabi as they learn more about the culture and traditions that have been celebrated this way since the fifteenth century.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.2: Relate texts to culture - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the traditions and celebrations they practice with their families, commonalities between them
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Sulwe
This book addresses the topic of colorism in a beautiful way through a little girl. Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
This book addresses the topic of colorism in a beautiful way through a little girl. Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.2: Relate texts to culture - Suggested use:
- Use to remind students of their own beauty and uniqueness
- Discuss what makes them unique - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Black Girl Magic: A Poem
Much of what twenty-first century culture tells black girls is not pretty: Don’t wear this; don’t smile at that. Don’t have an opinion; don’t dream big. And most of all, don’t love yourself. In response to such destructive ideas, internationally recognized poet Mahogany Browne challenges the conditioning of society by crafting an anthem of strength and magic undeniable in its bloom for all beautiful Black girls.
Much of what twenty-first century culture tells black girls is not pretty: Don’t wear this; don’t smile at that. Don’t have an opinion; don’t dream big. And most of all, don’t love yourself. In response to such destructive ideas, internationally recognized poet Mahogany Browne challenges the conditioning of society by crafting an anthem of strength and magic undeniable in its bloom for all beautiful Black girls.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and Strengthen Community
- 5.1.2: Relate texts to culture - Suggested use:
- Use to remind students of their own beauty and uniqueness
- Have students create their own simple poem about what makes them beautiful and magical - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences
Who Is An Immigrant?
In this lesson, students examine themselves within various contexts—including family, culture and community—as a means to better understand who they are as individuals and who they are in relation to people around them.
In this lesson, students examine themselves within various contexts—including family, culture and community—as a means to better understand who they are as individuals and who they are in relation to people around them.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
School Around the World
Children are interested in learning more about kids their own age, including what school looks like in other countries. Set up a “school” interest centre in a portion of your classroom. Add photos, books, videos and other activities that feature students at school in another culture. Encourage discussions about school in other countries by asking questions such as, “How do the children get to school?” and “What do they eat for lunch?” Rotate cultures throughout the year so students are exposed to many different school experiences from around the globe. How it teaches diversity: “By focusing on school, children can automatically relate to experiences of children around the world,” says Robin Leon, a 20-year ECE teacher and senior community counselor at Global Awareness. “Letting the children experience schools around the world through pretend play is a great way to tackle this important topic at a developmentally appropriate level.”
Children are interested in learning more about kids their own age, including what school looks like in other countries. Set up a “school” interest centre in a portion of your classroom. Add photos, books, videos and other activities that feature students at school in another culture. Encourage discussions about school in other countries by asking questions such as, “How do the children get to school?” and “What do they eat for lunch?” Rotate cultures throughout the year so students are exposed to many different school experiences from around the globe. How it teaches diversity: “By focusing on school, children can automatically relate to experiences of children around the world,” says Robin Leon, a 20-year ECE teacher and senior community counselor at Global Awareness. “Letting the children experience schools around the world through pretend play is a great way to tackle this important topic at a developmentally appropriate level.”
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans on page 9 of the PDF - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired
- Individual student accommodations may be required depending on ability and interest; however, the potential for stations to be accessible to all students is present
Apologies of Action
Learn about Apologies of Action. Using persona dolls or puppets, act out a scenario in which one character accidentally harms another character. Try to use a scenario that is familiar and relevant to the group of children you are working with (e.g. someone was running in the classroom and knocked down another child’s block tower). Together, identify the feelings of all the characters. Think aloud about what they might each need. With the children, coach the character through what they can do to take responsibility for their impact and play an active role in repairing the harm (e.g. “I’m sorry, can I help rebuild the tower?”).
Learn about Apologies of Action. Using persona dolls or puppets, act out a scenario in which one character accidentally harms another character. Try to use a scenario that is familiar and relevant to the group of children you are working with (e.g. someone was running in the classroom and knocked down another child’s block tower). Together, identify the feelings of all the characters. Think aloud about what they might each need. With the children, coach the character through what they can do to take responsibility for their impact and play an active role in repairing the harm (e.g. “I’m sorry, can I help rebuild the tower?”).
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal
- Some accommodations required based on specific student needs, but generally accessible to all
The Colours of Us
Read the book The Colors of Us by Karen Katz and have students draw faces onto multicoloured pieces of paper matching various skin tones. Discuss how important it is to recognize and celebrate different skin tones.
Read the book The Colors of Us by Karen Katz and have students draw faces onto multicoloured pieces of paper matching various skin tones. Discuss how important it is to recognize and celebrate different skin tones.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans on page 9 of the PDF - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal
- Some accommodations required based on specific student needs, but generally accessible to all
Community Bulletin Board
Students showcase artwork and nonfiction writing that addresses issues they found in the text. The result is a visual, collaborative and creative representation of student learning and ideas. An alternative to the bulletin board is a community newsletter.
Students showcase artwork and nonfiction writing that addresses issues they found in the text. The result is a visual, collaborative and creative representation of student learning and ideas. An alternative to the bulletin board is a community newsletter.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal
- Some accommodations required based on specific student needs, but generally accessible to all
Community Spotlight Cards
Students create “trading cards” spotlighting diverse community members who work toward social justice goals that connect to themes from the central text.
Students create “trading cards” spotlighting diverse community members who work toward social justice goals that connect to themes from the central text.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal
- Some accommodations required based on specific student needs, but generally accessible to all
Lunar New Year Zodiac Animals: Coloring Pages
The zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle and each year is linked to an animal. It’s believed that the animal that rules your year of birth influences your personality. It’s sort of like astrology. Do you know what your animal is? It depends not only on the year in which you were born, but which date as well (in fact, even the hour of your birth is of utmost importance!). Discover your animal and see if the description is accurate.
The zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle and each year is linked to an animal. It’s believed that the animal that rules your year of birth influences your personality. It’s sort of like astrology. Do you know what your animal is? It depends not only on the year in which you were born, but which date as well (in fact, even the hour of your birth is of utmost importance!). Discover your animal and see if the description is accurate.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal
- Some accommodations required based on specific student needs, but generally accessible to all
Mixed: A Colourful Story
A book about diversity, colour mixing, and inclusiveness. A video of the book available on the site.
A book about diversity, colour mixing, and inclusiveness. A video of the book available on the site.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Part of a Community Online
This lesson focuses on helping young children learn to participate in different kinds of digital communities. Students will solidify and work on what they know about being part of any community.
This lesson focuses on helping young children learn to participate in different kinds of digital communities. Students will solidify and work on what they know about being part of any community.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
The Dragon's Pearl
Asian Art Museum Storyteller, Miriam Mills, tells a story that explains why dragons are often depicted holding or chasing round objects covered in flames in Chinese art.
Asian Art Museum Storyteller, Miriam Mills, tells a story that explains why dragons are often depicted holding or chasing round objects covered in flames in Chinese art.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Introduction to an example of symbolism in Chinese culture; can be used alongside a class study/art project on Chinese culture and folktales - Accessibility:
- Auto-generated captions - dependent on reading ability
G.O 2: Comprehend & respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
Crossing Bok Chitto
In this lesson students will listen to Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle and write their stories about times they or their families have fought injustice. This fictional story is about Martha Tom, a young Choctaw girl, and Lil’ Mo an enslaved African boy whose family lives in a plantation across the Bok Chitto river. Students will learn about the oral traditions of two different cultures, and how two young children braved friendship and trust. Students will also learn about different forms of resistance by enslaved Africans including oral traditions through religion, alliances with other communities, and escaping enslavement to stay together.
Crossing Bok Chitto
In this lesson students will listen to Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle and write their stories about times they or their families have fought injustice. This fictional story is about Martha Tom, a young Choctaw girl, and Lil’ Mo an enslaved African boy whose family lives in a plantation across the Bok Chitto river. Students will learn about the oral traditions of two different cultures, and how two young children braved friendship and trust. Students will also learn about different forms of resistance by enslaved Africans including oral traditions through religion, alliances with other communities, and escaping enslavement to stay together.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Looking Closely at Ourselves
In this lesson, students explore race and self-identity by creating self-portraits. The lesson aims to help students develop detailed observational skills and use these skills in relation to themselves and others. It also begins constructing a vocabulary that is crucial in helping build community and discuss some of the more challenging aspects of race and racial identity formation.
In this lesson, students explore race and self-identity by creating self-portraits. The lesson aims to help students develop detailed observational skills and use these skills in relation to themselves and others. It also begins constructing a vocabulary that is crucial in helping build community and discuss some of the more challenging aspects of race and racial identity formation.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
Looking at Race and Racial Identity in Children's Books
In this lesson, students examine and talk openly about the concept of beauty, especially as it overlaps with race and racial identity. This activity will help students acquire vocabulary for orally critiquing author and illustrator choices; make text-to-self and text-to-text connections using picture and chapter books; talk about racial identity openly and consider the harmful potential of racial stereotypes; become active readers capable of finding and critiquing hidden messages in texts; develop a sense of belonging in relation to the literature in their school and classroom library; build a safe and supportive classroom community where students can engage in literacy development together.
In this lesson, students examine and talk openly about the concept of beauty, especially as it overlaps with race and racial identity. This activity will help students acquire vocabulary for orally critiquing author and illustrator choices; make text-to-self and text-to-text connections using picture and chapter books; talk about racial identity openly and consider the harmful potential of racial stereotypes; become active readers capable of finding and critiquing hidden messages in texts; develop a sense of belonging in relation to the literature in their school and classroom library; build a safe and supportive classroom community where students can engage in literacy development together.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1: Use Strategies and Cues
- 2.1.1: Use prior knowledge - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding oral critiquing)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Discovering My Identity
In this lesson, students will describe aspects of their identities such as race, gender, ability, religion and more. Then after exploring Marley Dias' Black Girls Books campaign, students will analyze book illustrations and write their own book review noting how characters are similar and different from them.
In this lesson, students will describe aspects of their identities such as race, gender, ability, religion and more. Then after exploring Marley Dias' Black Girls Books campaign, students will analyze book illustrations and write their own book review noting how characters are similar and different from them.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion) and hard of hearing (excluding video which doesn't include CC)
Advertisement and You
This lesson starts by showing children some of the kinds of advertisements they might run into online and helping them analyze these ads with a critical eye.
This lesson starts by showing children some of the kinds of advertisements they might run into online and helping them analyze these ads with a critical eye.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students
Choosing Reliable Sources
This lesson, part of the Digital Literacy series, addresses the importance of locating and verifying reliable sources when working with online information. This lesson is aimed at a young audience and operates on the assumption that many students in the class are not yet reading and writing independently.
This lesson, part of the Digital Literacy series, addresses the importance of locating and verifying reliable sources when working with online information. This lesson is aimed at a young audience and operates on the assumption that many students in the class are not yet reading and writing independently.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students
Say Something!
Social Justice book, Say Something! teaches young people to speak out when they see something wrong. Lesson plan and discussion guides included.
Social Justice book, Say Something! teaches young people to speak out when they see something wrong. Lesson plan and discussion guides included.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussions)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students
Stories about Family Diversity
Family Diversity covers stories featuring LGBTQ+ parents, single parents, blended families, adoption, etc
Family Diversity covers stories featuring LGBTQ+ parents, single parents, blended families, adoption, etc
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Resource provides lesson plans for for a variety of inclusive picture books - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
G.O 4: Enhance the clarity and artistry of communication
Understanding My Family's History
After exposure to relevant literature in class, students will research their family history by interviewing their parents. They will use this information along with visual props to tell their story to classmates. At the end of the lesson, students will: gain a deeper understanding of their family’s history and heritage identify on a world map the countries from which their families originated; understand that immigrants from all over the world come to the United States/Canada to start new lives. Enduring Understanding: Understanding your family history and background helps you better understand your heritage, customs, and family values. It also helps you understand the role of your culture’s roots in shaping North American culture.
Understanding My Family's History
After exposure to relevant literature in class, students will research their family history by interviewing their parents. They will use this information along with visual props to tell their story to classmates. At the end of the lesson, students will: gain a deeper understanding of their family’s history and heritage identify on a world map the countries from which their families originated; understand that immigrants from all over the world come to the United States/Canada to start new lives. Enduring Understanding: Understanding your family history and background helps you better understand your heritage, customs, and family values. It also helps you understand the role of your culture’s roots in shaping North American culture.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4.3: Present and share
- 4.3.1: Present information - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
Family Colours: Interviewing Our Families
In this lesson, students will: understand and implement interviewing skills, including planning, asking questions, taking notes and reporting on interviews; consider issues from multiple viewpoints; make connections between their family’s values and the values of their school community; develop vocabulary for discussing race, skin colour, beauty and history; gain oral language skills for reporting and discussing information. The goal of this session is to help students develop their racial and ethnic identities in a safe and open classroom environment, while being aware of our diverse world.
In this lesson, students will: understand and implement interviewing skills, including planning, asking questions, taking notes and reporting on interviews; consider issues from multiple viewpoints; make connections between their family’s values and the values of their school community; develop vocabulary for discussing race, skin colour, beauty and history; gain oral language skills for reporting and discussing information. The goal of this session is to help students develop their racial and ethnic identities in a safe and open classroom environment, while being aware of our diverse world.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4.1: Enhance/Improve
- 4.1.1: Appraise own/others work - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (accommodations required for interview portion) and visually impaired
G.O 5: Respect, support, and collaborate with others
Different Colours of Beauty: Reflection
The goal of this lesson is to help students develop their racial or ethnic identities in a safe and open classroom environment, and appreciate the broad spectrum of beauty in our diverse, multicultural world. This activity will help students: understand that no racial group is superior to any other; synthesize a variety of ways for understanding the importance of tolerance; appreciate the importance of reflecting on past work; see the development in their own and others’ thinking over time; apply knowledge and understandings gained to considering their role as activists in their school, home and community.
Different Colours of Beauty: Reflection
The goal of this lesson is to help students develop their racial or ethnic identities in a safe and open classroom environment, and appreciate the broad spectrum of beauty in our diverse, multicultural world. This activity will help students: understand that no racial group is superior to any other; synthesize a variety of ways for understanding the importance of tolerance; appreciate the importance of reflecting on past work; see the development in their own and others’ thinking over time; apply knowledge and understandings gained to considering their role as activists in their school, home and community.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal
- Some accommodations required based on specific student needs, but generally accessible to all
My Family Rocks!
This lesson is the first in the series “Family Tapestry.” One goal of these lessons is to help students recognize and accept differences among themselves and within the larger community. Another is to recognize how each student’s unique family contributes to a richer society. As students begin to understand themselves better, learning opportunities will likely emerge to explore biases and prejudices. In this introductory lesson, students explore the definition of family, learn about different kinds of family structures and explore what makes their own family unique.
This lesson is the first in the series “Family Tapestry.” One goal of these lessons is to help students recognize and accept differences among themselves and within the larger community. Another is to recognize how each student’s unique family contributes to a richer society. As students begin to understand themselves better, learning opportunities will likely emerge to explore biases and prejudices. In this introductory lesson, students explore the definition of family, learn about different kinds of family structures and explore what makes their own family unique.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
-
My Family Journey!
This lesson is the second in the series “Family Tapestry.” One goal of these lessons is to help students recognize and accept differences among themselves and within the larger community. Another is to recognize how each student’s unique family contributes to a richer society. As students begin to understand themselves better, learning opportunities will likely emerge to explore biases and prejudices. In this lesson, students explore how their family’s ethnic and cultural journey contributes to their lives and to their community.
This lesson is the second in the series “Family Tapestry.” One goal of these lessons is to help students recognize and accept differences among themselves and within the larger community. Another is to recognize how each student’s unique family contributes to a richer society. As students begin to understand themselves better, learning opportunities will likely emerge to explore biases and prejudices. In this lesson, students explore how their family’s ethnic and cultural journey contributes to their lives and to their community.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
-
Every Family Is the Same. Every Family Is Different.
This lesson is the third in a series called “Family Tapestry.” One goal of these lessons is to help students recognize and accept differences among themselves and within the larger community. Another is to recognize how each student’s unique family contributes to a richer society. As students begin to understand themselves better, learning opportunities to explore biases and prejudices will likely emerge. In this lesson, students learn the concepts of “same” and “different,” read and answer questions about two types of families, and create a “same and different” graphic organizer that reflects similarities and differences between their family and a classmate’s family.
This lesson is the third in a series called “Family Tapestry.” One goal of these lessons is to help students recognize and accept differences among themselves and within the larger community. Another is to recognize how each student’s unique family contributes to a richer society. As students begin to understand themselves better, learning opportunities to explore biases and prejudices will likely emerge. In this lesson, students learn the concepts of “same” and “different,” read and answer questions about two types of families, and create a “same and different” graphic organizer that reflects similarities and differences between their family and a classmate’s family.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
-
Stitching It Together
This lesson is the fourth and final in a series called “Family Tapestry.” One goal of these lessons is to help students recognize and accept differences among themselves and within the larger community. Another is to recognize how each student’s unique family contributes to a richer society. As students begin to understand themselves better, learning opportunities to explore biases and prejudices will likely emerge. In this lesson, students will synthesize everything they’ve learned throughout the series to create a quilt that tells the story of their families and how those families contribute to their overall classroom community.
This lesson is the fourth and final in a series called “Family Tapestry.” One goal of these lessons is to help students recognize and accept differences among themselves and within the larger community. Another is to recognize how each student’s unique family contributes to a richer society. As students begin to understand themselves better, learning opportunities to explore biases and prejudices will likely emerge. In this lesson, students will synthesize everything they’ve learned throughout the series to create a quilt that tells the story of their families and how those families contribute to their overall classroom community.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
-
View other relevant short films in Grade 1 Social Studies section Unit 1 and Unit 2 that can be used for English as well.
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences
From Far Away
This short animation tells the story of Saoussan, a young girl struggling to adjust to life in Canada after being uprooted from her wartorn homeland. She has come to seek a quieter and safer life, although memories of war and death linger, memories that are awakened when the children at her new school prepare for a scary Halloween. From Far Away speaks to the power within us all to adapt like Saoussan and to welcome a newcomer.
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences
From Far Away
This short animation tells the story of Saoussan, a young girl struggling to adjust to life in Canada after being uprooted from her wartorn homeland. She has come to seek a quieter and safer life, although memories of war and death linger, memories that are awakened when the children at her new school prepare for a scary Halloween. From Far Away speaks to the power within us all to adapt like Saoussan and to welcome a newcomer.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on kindness, empathy, and cultural differences
- Write an anecdotal response to the video where you ever felt unsafe, misunderstood, scared - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Jaime Lo, Small And Shy
In this animated short, Jaime Lo's father is sent to Hong Kong for a year-long work assignment. A shy Chinese-Canadian girl, Jaime Lo must use her creativity to cope with his absence. This story offers us a lighthearted glimpse into a common dilemma that many immigrant families face, where one parent must work overseas in order to provide for the rest of the family back home.
In this animated short, Jaime Lo's father is sent to Hong Kong for a year-long work assignment. A shy Chinese-Canadian girl, Jaime Lo must use her creativity to cope with his absence. This story offers us a lighthearted glimpse into a common dilemma that many immigrant families face, where one parent must work overseas in order to provide for the rest of the family back home.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Gratitude art for guardians and loved ones
- Poem or spoken word poetry about child's life and personality (Jaime Lo is small and shy ...) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Roses Sing on New Snow
In this animated short, based on a story by Paul Yee, Maylin cooks mouth-watering meals at her father's restaurant in Chinatown, but her father and brothers take all the credit. When a dignitary from China visits and tastes one her dishes, Maylin finally earns recognition.
In this animated short, based on a story by Paul Yee, Maylin cooks mouth-watering meals at her father's restaurant in Chinatown, but her father and brothers take all the credit. When a dignitary from China visits and tastes one her dishes, Maylin finally earns recognition.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Make/present your own comfort dish (guardians' help for this)
- Create own recipe that embodies the student's identity
- Create a class recipe book by gathering recipes from each family, photos of the dishes, and photos of the students with their family - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Snowy Day
Based on the award-winning 1962 picture book by Ezra Jack Keats, younger kids will love following Peter on a magical, wintery adventure to his grandmother’s house. The 40-minute movie extends the book’s message with images of an aspirational city block with shining diversity and multicultural friendships. Note: The film on YouTube requires payment to view.
Based on the award-winning 1962 picture book by Ezra Jack Keats, younger kids will love following Peter on a magical, wintery adventure to his grandmother’s house. The 40-minute movie extends the book’s message with images of an aspirational city block with shining diversity and multicultural friendships. Note: The film on YouTube requires payment to view.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on the concepts of community, family, diversity, holidays, celebrations, traditions, friendship, generosity, empathy, forgiveness and love
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their experience with holidays, celebrations or a family tradition (as some students do not celebrate holidays). Have students write about their art to explain which holiday/celebration/family tradition they chose, why it is special to them, and how it makes them feel. Display art in the classroom and have a gallery walk or art showcase where students can talk about their work and their unique traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (no closed captioning or descriptive captions available for hard of hearing and visually impaired students)
G.O 2: Comprehend and respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
The Friends of Kwan Ming
This animated short tells the story of Kwan Ming, a man who left China to live and work in the New World. Once at destination, Kwan Ming and three traveling companions look for work but find nothing. When opportunities finally arise, Kwan Ming lets his friends have the best jobs and takes a lowly position as helper to a mean storeowner. But his generosity pays off when his friends help him with a very difficult task.
The Friends of Kwan Ming
This animated short tells the story of Kwan Ming, a man who left China to live and work in the New World. Once at destination, Kwan Ming and three traveling companions look for work but find nothing. When opportunities finally arise, Kwan Ming lets his friends have the best jobs and takes a lowly position as helper to a mean storeowner. But his generosity pays off when his friends help him with a very difficult task.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on sacrifice, community, found family
- Create a journal response by drawing an image from the film and adding labels to describe the characters and the qualities they display or the feelings they may feel (i.e. bravery, kindness, perseverance) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Lights For Gita
This animated short is the story of Gita, an 8-year-old girl who can't wait to celebrate Divali - the Hindu festival of lights - in her new home in Canada. But it's nothing like New Delhi, where she comes from. The weather is cold and grey and a terrible ice storm cuts off the power, ruining her plans for a party. Obviously, a Divali celebration now is impossible. Or is it? As Gita experiences the glittering beauty of the icy streets outside, the traditional festival of lights comes alive in a sparkling new way.
This animated short is the story of Gita, an 8-year-old girl who can't wait to celebrate Divali - the Hindu festival of lights - in her new home in Canada. But it's nothing like New Delhi, where she comes from. The weather is cold and grey and a terrible ice storm cuts off the power, ruining her plans for a party. Obviously, a Divali celebration now is impossible. Or is it? As Gita experiences the glittering beauty of the icy streets outside, the traditional festival of lights comes alive in a sparkling new way.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to Texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on traditions and community. Make your own light art for Diwali
- Write about similarities and differences that Gita experiences when celebrating Diwali in India and Canada. Use a Venn diagram graphic organizer to help students organize their thinking and writing - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
