Stand Beautiful

Lesson Overview

Grade: 4
Subject: English
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Book Title: Stand Beautiful
Author: Chloe Howard
Illustrator: Deborah Melmon
Publisher: Zonderkidz (2018)

General Learning Outcomes (GLO)

Students will examine how the form and structure of texts can support the communication of ideas and information, focusing on self-acceptance and empathy. They will learn to embrace their own uniqueness and respect the differences of others.

Specific Learning Outcomes (SLO)

• Explore self-image, confidence, and relationships.
• Identify a personal characteristic that makes them unique.
• Create a poster visually representing their uniqueness.
• Demonstrate understanding of kindness and support for others who may feel different.

Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Listen to a read-aloud of "Stand Beautiful" by Chloe Howard.
• Engage in discussions about self-acceptance and empathy.
• Complete an art-based activity by creating a poster celebrating their own uniqueness.
• Express one unique trait about themselves.
• Articulate ways to show kindness and support to others who feel different.

Relevant Curriculum Area and Level

Adheres to the CA English Language Arts curricular standards and Physical Education curricular standards at the 4th-grade level.

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greeting and Settling: Welcome students and introduce the theme of the lesson focusing on self-acceptance and empathy.
2. Discussion Prompt: Ask students: "What does being unique mean to you?" and facilitate a short class discussion.

Read-Aloud (15 minutes)

1. Pre-Reading Question: Pose a question: "What makes you feel special or different from others?"

2. Book Reading: Read "Stand Beautiful" by Chloe Howard aloud to the class. Encourage students to listen for moments where the character, Chloe, learns about her uniqueness.

3. Interactive Engagement: Pause occasionally to ask questions:

   • "How do you think Chloe feels?"
   • "What advice would you give Chloe?"

Class Discussion (10 minutes)

1. Empathy and Self-Acceptance: Facilitate a discussion about the main themes of the book. Ask:

   • "Why is it important to accept ourselves as we are?"
   • "How can we show kindness to others who might feel different?"

2. Personal Reflection: Encourage students to think about one unique trait they possess.

Art-Based Activity (20 minutes)

Materials Needed:

• A3 drawing paper
• Markers, crayons, coloured pencils
• Magazines (for collage)
• Glue and scissors

Activity:

1. Introduction to Art Activity: Explain that each student will create a poster that celebrates their unique trait.

2. Instructions:

   • Brainstorm personal characteristics that make them unique.
   • Use drawing, colouring, and magazine cutouts to create a visual representation of this trait on their poster.

3. Creating Time: Allow students 15 minutes to work on their posters. Walk around to provide support, encouragement, and feedback.

4. Sharing: Ask volunteers to share their posters with the class and talk briefly about their unique trait and why it’s important to them.

Conclusion and Transition (5 minutes)

1. Recap: Summarize the concepts discussed, reinforcing the message of self-acceptance and empathy.

2. Closing Thought: Encourage students to be kind to themselves and others, reflecting on the message of the book and their classmates' unique traits.

3. Transition: Wrap up the lesson by reminding students to carry the message of "standing beautiful" with them in their daily interactions.

Assessment

• Observation of Participation: During discussions and the interactive read-aloud.
• Poster Evaluation: Based on creativity and expression of their unique trait, coupled with reflections on empathy and kindness.

Extensions

• Follow-Up Writing Activity: Have students write a paragraph about a time they helped someone who felt different or a time when they learned to accept a unique part of themselves.

• Home Connection: Encourage students to discuss with family members about their unique traits and share what they made in class.

This vibrant lesson not only aligns with the CA education standards but also ensures that students leave with a strong sense of self and an appreciation for the beauty of diversity.