When students are at home, they are comfortable being who they are. This often means speaking a certain language, following specific beliefs, and eating certain foods. However, they enter a classroom full of students with different backgrounds when they go to school. Often, this makes students feel scared to be themselves. Thankfully, there are incredible books to help inspire and encourage students. For instance, celebrating diversity with The Day You Begin is the perfect way to help students embrace who they are.
With the book and The Day You Begin Read-Aloud Activities, students will feel comfortable being themselves!
The Day You Begin
Author Jacqueline Woodson and illustrator Rafael López remind readers that everyone feels scared and alone sometimes.
One of the greatest aspects of the world is how everyone is unique. However, this does lead to people feeling different and alone. For instance, it could be eating a packed lunch filled with culturally-specific foods. Or, it could be talking with an accent. Honestly, there are so many aspects that make people individuals. Thankfully, this book reminds readers to be proud of who they are.
Ultimately, readers will love celebrating diversity with The Day You Begin.
They will see that everyone feels like an outsider sometime in their life. Thus, it is essential to be brave and never give up. Importantly, it shows readers the power of reaching out to others and accepting them for who they are.
The Day You Begin Read Aloud Activities
Students often need time to feel at home in the classroom. Additionally, they need extra support and encouragement to be themselves. Luckily, this book is an incredible way to provide the needed support!
The read-aloud activity pack contains incredible ready-to-go resources. Teachers just need to print and teach!
There is a teacher guide to help celebrate diversity with The Day You Begin with academics. It provides a full outline to make this unit seamlessly fit into the day.
While reading the story, it is essential to stop and discuss. This ensures students understand the main idea and important details. Thus, there are talking points and higher-level thinking questions to spark conversation. Each also has a page number to help teachers know when to ask questions.
Reflection is a huge component of deep learning. Therefore, there are written responses and activity sheets to ensure students celebrate diversity with The Day You Begin. There are even multiple options for differentiation.
Furthermore, there is hands-on craftivity! Students will love how the craft connects the story to students’ lives.
Real-Life Connection
Teachers work hard to ensure students understand how the material taught in the class relates to life outside the school. Luckily, there are task cards that provide scenarios or thought-provoking questions. Each task card will help students understand the importance of celebrating diversity.
Teachers want students to enjoy every minute of the school day. An essential part of this involves students being comfortable with who they are. Thankfully, everyone can focus on celebrating diversity with The Day You Begin! This incredible story and the Read-Aloud Activities help ensure students accept everyone for who they are.
Keep scrolling for information about a free read aloud lesson that you can use in your classroom.
Free Read Aloud Lesson
Would you like to try out an interactive read aloud lesson? You can grab this free lesson plan for Jabari Jumps to share with your students. This free download focuses on helping students overcome challenges. Each lesson includes discussion questions and activities to do with the book. Just fill out the form below and it will be delivered straight to your inbox!
Save This Read Aloud Lesson
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite read alouds board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to this lesson plan when you are ready to read it aloud with your students.
