Students in Mrs. Tiemblo’s Pre-K class recently combined literacy, math, art, and social-emotional learning through a colorful activity inspired by the books of children’s author Todd Parr. The project helped students celebrate what makes each person unique while reinforcing an important message: even though everyone is different, we all belong to the same school family.
Throughout the past month, students have been learning about friendship and what it means to be a positive member of their classroom and school community. Through read-alouds and discussions, students explored ways to be a good friend, include others, show kindness, and appreciate the differences that make each person special.
Todd Parr’s books, known for their bright illustrations and messages of acceptance, kindness, and individuality, provided the perfect connection to these lessons. Students discussed how people may look different, enjoy different things, or have different personalities, but those differences do not prevent us from being friends and treating one another with respect.
The activity also incorporated an important math skill. After reviewing the circle and its characteristics, students used circles as part of creating their own unique self-portraits. Each student had the opportunity to represent themselves through their artwork, creating a collection of portraits as individual as the students themselves.
Once the portraits were complete, they were brought together to create one large classroom mural. While every portrait looks different, each one contributes to the finished piece.
The completed mural now serves as a visual reminder of the lesson students have been learning throughout the month: everyone has something special to contribute.
By combining books, meaningful conversations, math, and creativity, students learned that being part of a school community does not mean everyone has to be the same. Instead, our differences make our school family stronger, more colorful, and more complete.
