Respect for Individual Diversity
Book Kit Title: Tacky the Penguin
Author and Publication Date: Helen Lester, 1988
ISBN#: 0-395-45536-7
This Book Kit was planned by: Alexa Harthun
Grade Level this kit is intended for: 2nd
Materials for the Lesson: “Tacky the Penguin” book*, paper, pencils, poster/chart paper, marker
Lesson Objective: After reading Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester as a class, students will write about a difference that makes them unique and will participate in a class discussion about respect for the diversity in the classroom.
Background Knowledge: Besides basic writing skills, no additional knowledge needs to be covered with the students prior to this lesson.
Anticipatory Set/Invitation to Learn: Say, “We have many things in common, but there are also many things that make us different and special from one another. I like to knit, and I might be the only one in the class who does that. I also like to… Think in your heads about some things that you like to do that maybe your friends do not do. Or think or something you are good at that most people are not as good at. Today we are going to talk about some individual differences that make each of us special. We will read one of my favorite books about someone who was different from everyone else.”
Listening Focus: Say, “Pay attention to the differences that Tacky has from the other penguins. Then, think about one of your own differences you have that you can write it down after we finish reading.”
Method for sharing the book:
For this story, I will prepare them ahead of time by giving them the listening focus to think about. Then, I will stop occasionally to ask questions or make comments. Some questions and possible answers are:
1. Why did the other penguins think Tacky was an odd bird?
He ate fish sandwiches, sings silly songs, marches in a strange way, and was not a graceful diver.
2. Are these differences bad?
No. He just isn’t the same as the other penguins.
3. How did Tacky save all of the penguins?
He convinced the hunters that there were not any penguins around because he was not acting like a “normal” penguin.
4. How did the other penguins treat Tacky after he saved them?
They were nice to him because they saved their lives. Now they like having him around.
* Discuss how Tacky’s differences turned out to be a very good thing.
Instructional Procedures:
1. Read book.
2. Have students write a paragraph about their special difference.
4. Have the students list their special difference on a class poster.
5. Discuss the variety of differences and unique contributions of each difference.
Closure: In a class discussion, talk about how we all have unique differences and we need to respect those differences because we are each important in different ways. Using our different skills and talents, we can work together and benefit from each other.
Evidence of Student Learning:
To evaluate student learning, informally assess their understanding of the need for respect for diversity from the class discussion and paragraphs. I will know they understood the concept if they are able to discuss respect for individual diversity with their classmates. It would also be important to watch each student over the next several days/weeks to make sure they are demonstrating a respect for individual diversity. If they do not understand, I can remind them of what we talked about or teach more mini-lessons about the topic.
Concrete Object: Wooden Friendship Fish
Each child will receive a wooden fish. This fish should remind you of Tacky the Penguin who ate fish sandwiches and sang a silly song about how many toes a fish has. Paint the fish however you want to. Because of your individual diversity, your fish will probably look different than anyone else’s. When it has dried, give your painted fish to a classmate that you want to know more about. Ask them at least 3 questions about themselves.
Game
Players should choose a penguin token to play with. Move your token to “Start.” Have the youngest player start. Roll the die and move the number of spaces. Follow the directions on that space. The first player to “Finish” wins!
*Note: After moving the number of spaces the directions on the space tells you to move, you do not get to continue moving from every space you land on. You should only move two times during each turn – once from the die, and once from the directions on the space you landed on.
Stations
http://tangrams.ca/puzzles/dona-12.htm
Name ______
Am I a Respectful Person?
(self-evaluation)
/ / I treat other people the way I want to be treated.
/ / I am considerate of other people’s feelings.
/ / I treat people with politeness, courtesy, and respect.
/ / I accept personal differences.
/ / I work to solve problems without violence.
/ / I never intentionally embarrass or hurt other people.
I think I am/am not a respectful person because…
Name ______
Quiz
Two ways to show respect for others’ differences: J
1.
2.
Two ways NOT to show respect for other’s differences: L
1.
2.