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As the new school year begins, it’s the perfect time to introduce lessons that promote kindness, acceptance, and understanding among your students.
Having taught in international private schools and a public school in Texas, I’ve noticed a common experience among children: they naturally gravitate towards those who are similar to them. It’s just like us adults—we form cliques. But when kids are given a chance to truly get to know one another, they become more open and realize that, deep down, we all share the same hearts and emotions.
This realization inspired me to write The Gnomes and Their Hats. First of all, who doesn’t love gnomes? They’re cute, cozy, and a bit magical. But more than that, this is the book I would choose to read during the first week of school because it teaches children the importance of embracing diversity, accepting others, and looking beyond appearances.
It’s a gentle reminder that while we may seem different on the outside, we are more alike than we think.
“The Gnomes and Their Hats” Overview
In a lush, green forest, a group of gnomes live happily together, each wearing a unique hat that reflects their individuality. These hats represent the rich diversity within the gnome community, showing how everyone’s differences contribute to the beauty of their world. However, sometimes these differences create divisions. But when a storm blows away their beloved hats, the gnomes are faced with a challenge that teaches them an invaluable lesson: true friendship and unity come from accepting one another, not from outward appearances.
The story’s theme is to help children appreciate what makes each of us special, while also understanding that our differences should not divide us. It’s about valuing the inner qualities that bring us together, creating a sense of unity and belonging.
Back to School Read Aloud Lesson Plan: Embracing Diversity and Kindness
Objective: Students will learn about the importance of diversity, acceptance, and kindness through the story of The Gnomes and Their Hats.
Pre-Reading
Start by showing your students the book cover and asking them to predict what the story might be about. Encourage them to share their experiences with meeting new people and the emotions that accompany those experiences.
Connect these feelings with the gnomes’ story, emphasizing the importance of accepting others for who they are.
Questions to Ask:
- What do you think the gnomes’ hats might represent?
- Have you ever felt different from others? How did that make you feel?
- Why is it important to accept people who are different from us?
During Reading
Begin by discussing how the different gnomes’ hats influence their feelings about themselves and others who have different hats.
As you read, pause when the gnomes lose their hats and feel uncertain about what to do next. Discuss how students might feel in a similar situation and what they think the gnomes should do. Pause again when the gnomes begin helping each other rebuild, and talk about the power of collaboration and how kindness can strengthen a community.
Questions to Ask:
- How do the gnomes’ hats affect their feelings about themselves and others?
- How do you think the gnomes feel when they lose their hats?
- What do the gnomes learn about friendship and acceptance?
- How can we be kind and helpful to each other in our classroom?
Post Reading
After the story, encourage students to reflect on the gnomes’ journey and relate it to their own lives. Discuss how they can practice kindness and acceptance in the classroom and beyond.
Questions to Ask:
- How did the gnomes’ feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story?
- What did the gnomes learn about what truly matters in friendship?
- How can we ensure that everyone in our class feels accepted and valued?
Activity: Get To Gnome Me – Back To School Craft
Extend the learning and creativity with the Get to Gnome Me activity! This fun and engaging project allows students to design their own gnome characters, expressing their individuality while also getting to know their classmates.
Materials Needed:
- Get to Gnome Me printable resource
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue, Tape, or Staples
- Construction paper
Instructions:
- Imagine and Discuss: Start by discussing with your students what makes them unique. Encourage them to think about their hobbies, favorite colors, and personal traits that make them who they are.
- Design Your Gnome: Distribute the Get to Gnome Me (Half Sheet) worksheets, where students can choose from different gnome designs. Have them color and personalize their gnomes to represent themselves, using the worksheet prompts to share more about who they are.
- Create and Share: Once the gnomes are designed, have each student present their gnome to the class, sharing what makes them special. This is a great opportunity to build a classroom community and celebrate the diversity among your students.
- Display: After the activity, display the gnomes in your classroom as a reminder that everyone brings something unique and valuable to your community.
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Final Thoughts
The Gnomes and Their Hats is a delightful and meaningful read-aloud that not only entertains but also imparts essential lessons about diversity, acceptance, and kindness. Yes, I’m biased! By pairing this story with the Get to Gnome Me activity, you’ll be setting the stage for a classroom environment where every student feels valued and accepted. I can’t wait to see how your students embrace their unique gnomes and share their stories!
Don’t forget to share your students’ gnome creations with me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches. Let’s make this school year one filled with learning, acceptance, and unity!
Here’s to a great start to the school year!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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