Kindergarten 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:
- Create a class word wall for Spanish words in the book
- Have students make a presentation on relationship w/ Grandma (if applicable), or other adults
- Colouring activity of New York Streets with the colours used in the book
- Discuss familial bonding, connectedness - 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 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.
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:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discuss the significance of a name, moving to a new country, as well as the significance of names to cultural identity
- Have a name jar for the class with each student writing and decorating their own name. Everyday a name can be picked out and that student has the opportunity to explain what makes them special
- Have each student decorate a jar with their name on it, have them fill it with whatever symbolizes 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
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:
- Discuss the importance of differences and welcoming them in relationships
- Student-wich activity: pair two students up and have them present their differences, similarities, and why they are friends.
- Sandwich tasting: have students prepare and bring sandwiches or a dish commonly eaten at home for the class to taste. Ensure you are aware of students dietary restrictions and accommodate to their needs (there should be option/s that cater to their needs) - 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 Indigenous
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.
- Guest speaker talking about their culture and how they experience it. Can also talk about 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:
- Citizenship scrapbook activity: what does being a citizen in our classroom look like? Students can draw, write about examples of being a citizen
- Introduce the process of becoming a Canadian citizen
- Ask students about what they think make them Canadian or if what connects them to their other cultural identities (or if they are dual citizenship they can speak on that too)
- Prompt discussion about Indigenous peoples being the first on this land and rest coming from other parts of the world to create multicultural Canada. Talk about importance of reconciliation here. - 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:
- Talk about the importance of learning from one's mistakes, and how students can make better decisions next time an opportunity comes their way.
- Have students do a visual response to a possible different outcomes of the book had Chloe chose to befriend Maya
- Have students make their own lesson on kindness - what would they do if they were teaching Chloe? - 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:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- As a class, brainstorm and implement ways to create a classroom space modelling after the book
- Discuss what traditions are mentioned in the book. Create a classroom edition of this 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
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:
- Talk about what empathy means to the students, and how it can be practiced
- Talk about past decisions students have made that required empathy (one kid without a partner, a hurt animal on the side of the road, 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
Intersection Allies
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:
- Mirror activity: what do the students see in themselves that they see in the characters? Talk about the meaning of community. Talk about the intersectionalities students have or know about - how does this impact them in their everyday life? - 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:
- Talk about the meaning of reconciliation, empathy, fostering relationships, and respect
- Create a classroom book about how students foster empathy, relationships, and respect in their everyday lives at 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
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:
- Have students draw a picture of where they/their families came from. Incorporate the use of maps into the classroom, displayed on the walls or within centres. Add labels to the countries that students and their families have connections to - 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:
- Have students make their own crowd of people (dot paint) and explain what the people in their art is marching for (end bullying, access to education for all kids, etc.)
- Talk about the different ways that students can be activists. Talk about the power of coming 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
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:
- Talk about the different ways that students can be activists. Talk about the power of coming together
- Learn and use the Spanish words from 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
Saturday by Oge Mora
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:
- Talk about bonding activities students do with their families
- Talk about how students make the most of their time with their loved ones - 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:
- Talk about the different kinds of ways students can offer comfort and support.
- Talk about and practice how to actively listen - 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 neighborhood 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 neighborhood 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:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Have students write a love letter to their guardians
- Have them draw their own community/ school environment
- Talk about/ brainstorm what stays the same in an ever-changing world (the sun will always set and rise, your guardians will always love you, 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
A Map into the World; East Asian
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 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:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - 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 req'd 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 write about and 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 discuss concepts of diversity, respect, self-identity, being unique, confidence, and inclusion
- Have students 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 and written descriptions 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. So 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. So 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:
- Read aloud and discuss concepts of diversity, respect, race, self-identity, being unique, confidence, and inclusion
- 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, then 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
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.”
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
- 1.1.2: Experiment with language and forms - 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 an art response to the story using skin toned paints or crayons and have students brainstorm descriptive words for the diverse range of skin tones reflected in their art (i.e. peanut butter, french toast, chocolatey, cinnamon, mayo etc).
- Connected resource for this is "The Colors of Us" by Karen Katz.
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 others differences and the way they contribute to our unique self-identities and experiences and 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:
- 1.1: 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 the characters felt about each other and themselves and how and why this might have changed during the beginning, middle and end of the story
- 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 it might not directly affect us (allyship)
- Have students work in pairs using venn diagram graphic to create lists and pictures of what they have in common with each other and what is different about themselves. Create portrait art to go along with their venn diagrams - 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 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
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 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
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 about respecting and appreciating cultural practices, instead of appropriating. Bring in conversations about halloween costumes. Here is a good resource to do this accordingly. Ideal to do this close to the day, November 2
- 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:
- Use this video or this video to help kids further understand Ramadan
- 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
Binny's Diwali by Thrity Umrigar
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:
- 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
- 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
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
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:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discuss concepts of self-identity, being unique, confidence, and inclusion.
- Have students 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 and written descriptions 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 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 day
- 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
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:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - 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
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 req'd 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 (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
- Have students chose specific figures from the book to do a more focused research project on - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations req'd 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 discuss 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 a space themed centre, with images of comets, stars, planets, or galaxies, with word cards, sentence frames, and various colours of paper and writing materials for students to engage in writing about space
- 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
- 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
- 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
G.O 2: Comprehend & respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
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. Comes with a teacher's guide.
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. Comes with a teacher's guide.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discuss the importance of the Hijab to Muslim culture
- Have someone who wears teach the students how to wear a Hijab, or show a video
- Discuss how clothing is a form of expression and identity, and we should respect people's decisions to express themselves - 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
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.
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:
- DIY lunchbox with feelings written on slips and put inside. Draw and colour lunchbox with feelings written inside.
- Look up videos of people celebrating Ramadan and talk about it
- Have a guest speaker talk about their Ramadan experiences - 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:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Talk about trying to lose aspects of oneself to fit in (assimilation) and how Indigenous peoples were forced into assimilation
- Red shoe activity: draw a visual representation on a shoe at a time in your life when goodness persisted
- Alternate red shoe activity: on one side draw a time of loss (if applicable), and then a time of goodness that helped the student keep going in life - 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:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Host a First Laugh Ceremony at the beginning of the school year introducing all students - 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:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion on how we can learn from others, including elders, grandparents, aunts and uncles in our families and community
- Introduction to residential schools, concept of inequity, rights of children
- Find additional information, including videos and interview with author - 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 books 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 books 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:
- Have students make a poetic picture book for a loved one, or for their future selves
- Begin the discussion on race and identity. Discuss students' feelings and thoughts about the book. Use book to showcase diverse representation of main characters - 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
Anti-Racist Baby, Kendi, Ibram X.
Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist
Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Talk about what anti-racism, fairness, and justice means. Discuss the science of melanin and how it contributes to our unique skin, hair, and eye colour
Caution: Be sure to avoid messages of colour-blindness as a way of talking about anti-racism, rather, encourage students to respect and honour each others differences and the way they contribute to our unique self-identities and experiences and 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
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:
- Talk about resources, the distribution and renewal aspect of water
- Access to clean and free water: tie it conservation of water, sharing school fountains and bathrooms, etc.
- Talk about what school and our lives would be like without clean water - 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:
- Vote for a classroom food that brings everyone together
- Have student make their own Fry Bread at home with parents/guardians
- Talk about the significance of Indigenous cultures. Also have them understand proper terms to use, Indigenous vs Aboriginal etc. Educate yourself first.
- Have students talk about what kind of traditions bring their families together (making pie, birthdays, 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
Seeing into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright
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:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - 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
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:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - 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
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:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about concepts of diversity, respect, self-identity, confidence, and inclusion
- Brainstorm ideas as a class about how the character felt at the beginning of the story, and then how she felt after experiencing hurtful words from others
- Create self portraits with written descriptions that highlight the unique identity 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
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:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - 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 (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 folks 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
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:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - 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 Ruby Bridges felt about herself and how and why this might have changed during the beginning, middle and end of the story. 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 it might not directly affect us (allyship)
- 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
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:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - 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 Ruby Bridges felt about herself and how and why this might have changed during the beginning, middle and end of the story
- 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 it might not directly affect us (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, then share these as a class and display them in the classroom with a photo of each child - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations req'd 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
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 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.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Have students share a story about themselves another student (preferably someone they don't know well and can form a relationship with)
- Discuss how sharing stories and experiences can bring people together and how listening to others can help students to learn something new about their classmates - 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:
- Introduce language barriers, have students provide examples of how Helen and her Grandfather were able to connect, have students consider how they could make those connections within the classroom (include song and dance, drawing, etc)
- Talk about language barriers within students' families
- Start a Chinese dictionary, learn the words - 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:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Have students make their own rakhi. Create a classroom rakhi where everyone contributes. Learn the song in music 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
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
- 5.1.2: Relate texts to culture - Suggested use:
- Write a song including all of the students names and special qualities about them - teach it to the class and have them perform it
- Have students write an acrostic poem/ song about their name
- Talk about the importance of names and cultural 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
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: G.O 5: Respect support and collaborate with others
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.2: Relate texts to culture - Suggested use: Talk about gratitude: what does it mean for each student? How does each student show gratitude? Learn and use the Cherokee words from the book. Learn about and celebrate some of the holidays mentioned in the book in the classroom
- Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal; Additional accommodations req'd 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:
- Talk about what home means for each student and draw/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 - 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 Colours We Are: Todos los colores de nuestra piel/The Story of How We Get Our Skin Colour
This bilingual (English/Spanish) book offers children a simple, scientifically accurate explanation about how our skin colour is determined by our ancestors, the sun, and melanin. It''s also filled with colourful photographs that capture the beautiful variety of skin tones. Reading this book frees children from the myths and stereotypes associated with skin colour 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 colour is determined by our ancestors, the sun, and melanin. It''s also filled with colourful photographs that capture the beautiful variety of skin tones. Reading this book frees children from the myths and stereotypes associated with skin colour and helps them build positive identities as they accept, understand, and value our rich and diverse world.
- 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, race, self-identity, being unique, confidence, and inclusion
- Create an art response to the story using skin toned paints or crayons and have students brainstorm descriptive words for the diverse range of skin tones reflected in their art (i.e. peanut butter, french toast, chocolatey, cinnamon, etc). Connected resource for this is "The Colours of Us" by Karen Katz - 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:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.2: Relate texts to culture - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about concepts of diversity, respect, race, racism, colonization, self-identity, family, traditions, celebrations and inclusion
- Class discussion on resistance and how laws can be unfair to communities or groups of people
- Discuss and compare the feelings of Watl'kina and their family when they were not allowed to practice traditional ceremonies, and when they chose to resist by holding ceremony in spite of the laws
- 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 (allyship)
- Have students create an art piece that reflects their own family, cultural or community traditions
- Have students write about their art to explain why this tradition 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
G.O 1: Explore thoughts/ ideas/ feelings/ experiences
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.
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.
- 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 (excluding discussion portion) and hard of hearing (excluding video which doesn't include CC)
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, and; 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, and; build a safe and supportive classroom community where students can engage in literacy development together.
- 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 (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
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, and; 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, and; 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:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans. - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (accommodations required for interview portion) and visually impaired
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 - 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
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)
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
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:
- 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, 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:
- 4.3: Present and share
- 4.3.3: Use effective oral and visual communication - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion)
- 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
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
View other relevant short films in Kindergarten Social Studies section Unit 1 and Unit 2 that can be used for English as well. Below are a few examples.
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/ spoken word 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 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.
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:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - 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
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.
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.
- 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 5: Respect support and collaborate with others
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.
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.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - 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
