Although for years I've been talking to first graders about how it's okay to be different, partly thanks to Todd Parr (see here), I've never used the word "tolerance" in my room until this year. I'm not sure if my attempt was extraordinary by any means though. How would you define the word for first graders? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Here's my definition:
Tolerance is being kind even when someone is different.
My lesson started with a story about my experience at the gym one evening when I saw someone who looked very different than me. I specifically talked about what I could have done or said but didn't. Out of the story, came the chart below. I asked the kids what differences they've seen in people and what peacemakers and peacebreakers do about those differences.
It's not a perfect chart by any means and will surely be more developed next year, but I hope it was a step in the right direction.
These books have been staples of mine for years as well. They teach about differences and tolerance better than I ever could. :)
Great post, Tammy! I've always wondered how to teach that word, tolerance, because it kind of has two sides. I love the way you did it! And I LOVE Todd Parr's work.
ReplyDeleteTolerance.org has a ton of excellent resources, including a free magazine that comes out quarterly (I think) ... and they've got an Activity Page for educators like you to share their lessons. I bet they'd be interested in your anchor chart and book picks!!
Barbara
Barbara, thank you for your encouragement. I didn't feel like it was an extraordinary chart by any means, but it felt like I was heading in the right direction.
DeleteThat is a great way to teach tolerance using your own experience and what you could have done instead. Thank you for the book ideas!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, my own story seemed like the best way to broach the subject. I think it kind of made sense to them. :)
DeleteGreat definition! I really need to check out Todd Parr's books. I'm not familiar with them.
ReplyDeleteBarb, you should totally check out Todd Parr's books. They're a combination of a great message with a little silly thrown in.
DeleteI love Todd Parr and think it's great that you are teaching the children what tolerance looks like.
ReplyDeleteLyn
Thank you Lyn. I'm hoping I can get better at it with some practice. :)
DeleteI love Todd Parr! Thanks for the book list. I put them all on hold!
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Chickadee Jubilee
Laurie, I love Todd too. He knows how to get a message across even with some silly mixed in. :)
Delete