A guide for using our resources

Children will identify qualities that make them special.

Vocabulary: awesome, classmates, personality, special

SEL Focus: self-awareness

  1. Watch a Video:
    Can You Be a Good Friend?
    Skill: social and emotional learning

     

  2. Read the Issue:
    You Are Special!

     

  3. Play a Game:
    Make a Poster: All About Me
    Skill: social and emotional learning

     

  4. Complete Skill Sheets

    Show What You Know
    Skill: comprehension


    I Am Special
    Skill: alphabet knowledge

     

  5. Lesson Boosters

  • Paired Text:
    Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

     

  • Shared Writing: 
    I Am Special Because . . .

     

  • Home-School Connection 
    Get to Know Your Students

     

  • Hands-on Activity: 
    Roll-a-Favorite

     

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RI.K.1 key details, W.K.8 writing, RL.K.1 key details (literature)

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

Paired Text: Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

  • In this classic story, the titular character loves her unusual name—until she goes to school.
  • But eventually, Chrysanthemum learns that standing out can be the best way to fi t in.

Shared Writing: I Am Special Because . . .

  • What’s special about your students? Make a word web! Write I am special because... in the middle of the web.
  • Let children complete the sentence as you write their answers at the end of the spokes, adding their names.
  • Take a picture and send it home to parents!

Home-School Connection: Get to Know Your Students

  • Every child is special, and no one knows your students better than their families! Send a note home to get to know your students better. Families will appreciate the chance to get involved.
  • Here are some questions you might ask:

• What is something you want me to know about your child?

• What does your child say they love about school?

• Does your child talk about any frustrations at school? What are they?

  • With parents’ feedback, you’ll learn what makes every child unique!

Hands-on Activity: Roll-a-Favorite

Skill: social and emotional learning

Materials: Roll-a-Favorite skill sheet, number cube

  • Kids can play this fun icebreaker game to learn about themselves and each other while they also practice new skills like counting and reading a key.
  • Show children the skill sheet and a number cube. When they roll the number cube, they will look for the matching number of dots on the sheet. Then they will tell the other players their corresponding favorite. For instance, if they roll a 2, they tell their favorite animal.
  • Let children play in small groups all at once as you circulate. Or leave the activity as an option for small groups or partners at center time. It’s a great way to encourage conversation and let kids see what makes them special—and what they have in common!