Learning about similarities and differences through a picture book

by

Gaby Benthien


1. Objectives and Overview

Activity Overview:

Authentic children's picture books can be used to introduce students to an L2 and foster intercultural awareness. This series of activities is aimed at lower to mid primary students who have learnt parts of the body and colors already.

General Learning Objectives:

  • to raise awareness of our similarities and differences / diversity in terms of physical features

Specific Learning Objectives (optional):

  • to become (more) aware of similarities.
  • to compare, contrast and accept different physical features.
  • to understand that, while people may look different in terms of hair and eye color, shape of nose etc., we are all simply people (Note: animals and characters also featured in the book)

Keywords:

Intercultural awareness, surface culture, young learners, lower to mid elementary school children

2. Activity Context

Activity context description

This book is a good fit for elementary school Year 3 or 4 students in mainstream classes, but may also be used for younger learners in other teaching contexts .


Students

Suggested range of students:
1
2
3
4
5
8
10
15
20
30
40
Do students need to use a second language?
Yes
What is the second language?
English
Level(s) in target language:
Elementary school or younger
  • These levels are approximations 
Comments

3: Activity Duration

Estimated duration (multiple ranges possible):
15-30 minutes
30-45 minutes
How many sessions?
4
5
Any homework?
No