Our Class is a Family Activities
Back to School time is here, and what better way to kick off the new school year than with a heartwarming read-aloud that focuses on building a sense of community in the classroom? Our Class is a Family, by Shannon Olsen, is a delightful book that not only prepares students for the year ahead but also reinforces the values of kindness, respect, and acceptance.
This book, written for young readers, introduces the concept of the classroom as a family unit. It explores the important role each student plays in creating a nurturing and supportive environment. The story is told through the eyes of a boy with a disability who finds himself at home in his classroom, surrounded by classmates who treat him with love and care.
The book's activities are specifically designed to enhance the classroom community and encourage empathy among students. Here are some of the activities that you can incorporate into your Back to School curriculum:
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Our Class is a Family Read-Aloud
This engaging activity involves reading the book out loud to the class. It allows students to hear the message of the story firsthand and engage in meaningful discussions about its themes. After the read-aloud, you can host a follow-up discussion where students share their thoughts on the book and their vision for the class community. -
classroom portrait
Create a colorful mural or drawing of the classroom that represents the students' perspective of the family unit. This activity can foster a sense of collective responsibility and team spirit. Encourage students to add their personal touches to the drawing, showcasing their individual contributions to the classroom family. -
Our Class is a Family Vocabulary
A fun and interactive way to reinforce the book's vocabulary is through a flash card activity. Create flashcards with key phrases and images from the book, and challenge students to match them in pairs or small groups. This activity can be used as a pre-read or post-reading exercise to build word recognition and comprehension. -
Pinky Promise
Inspired by the book's story, have students in pairs write a pinky promise to each other. They can use the phrases they learned from the book to express their commitment to being kind, respectful, and supportive classmates. This activity can serve as a positive reinforcement mechanism, encouraging students to live out the values they read about. -
Our Class is a Family Writing Prompts
Provide students with writing prompts centered around the themes of the book. For instance, they could write about their own experiences of feeling like a family member in the classroom, or they could imagine what it would be like to visit each other's homes. This activity encourages active engagement and critical thinking, while also allowing students to express themselves creatively. -
Our Class is a Family Group Discussion
Facilitate a group discussion where students reflect on the book and share their insights into the concept of a classroom family. Encourage students to use the vocabulary and concepts they have learned from the book to discuss their views on the importance of community and support. A good discussion leader will help guide the conversation, ensuring that all students have a chance to contribute. -
Our Class is a Family Art Project
Art projects are a fantastic way to bring students together and foster a sense of belonging. Have students create a collaborative piece of art that represents their class community. They could paint a room, design a classroom bulletin board, or even construct a colorful mural that showcases their shared vision of a family. This activity can also be a fun way to celebrate diversity and celebrate the hard work happening in your classroom. -
Our Class is a Family Bulletin Board Display
A vibrant bulletin board display is a great way to keep the classroom community vibe alive throughout the school year. Create a board that features images, stories, and memories that represent the book's themes. You could include a quote from the book, artwork, or student-generated content. Encourage students to contribute to the display, sharing their perspectives on the book's significance. -
Our Class is a Family Book Review
Reading a book together and discussing it is one of the best ways to deepen understanding and foster a love for reading. Have students write a book review that reflects their thoughts on Our Class is a Family and includes their own recommendations for similar books. This activity can help reinforce reading comprehension and critical analysis skills. -
Our Class is a Family Classroom Community Planner
Create a planner or agenda that outlines the activities you will use to enrich the Our Class is a Family experience in your classroom. This planner could include a variety of read-alouds, discussions, debates, and group projects. Be sure to include time for student participation, reflection, and self-reflection to ensure that the Our Class is a Family experience is comprehensive and meaningful for all students.
In summary, Our Class is a Family providesteachers and students with countless opportunities to build a supportive and connected classroom community. Engaging with the themes and activities presented in this book is a wonderful way to set the stage for a successful year of learning and growth. With its emphasis on kindness, respect, and understanding, this book is a timeless treasure that will continue to inspire positive interactions and foster a sense of belonging in your classroom for years to come