Reading books aloud is an integral part of classroom learning. Not only do read alouds model fluency and expression, they also invite discussion, questions, and connections, and opinions. Children of all ages love listening to stories, and the beginning of the school year is a perfect time to start this classroom routine.
For this activity, the students will listen to the book The Best Part of Me by Wendy Ewald. It is an excellent book to help build a positive classroom environment where students embrace each other’s differences. Then, the students will choose the part of themselves that they would like to share, and create a cell that illustrates and describes that part the way the children did in the story. This activity shows how each student is unique, and encourages children to share what they think is special about themselves.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that illustrates and explains your favorite part of yourself.
Student Instructions:
Boost student confidence and celebrate diversity by setting aside time for everyone to present their storyboards. This fosters a supportive classroom community where each child feels valued and heard.
Set the tone by sharing your own ‘Best Part of Me’ storyboard. Demonstrate how to speak about yourself positively and openly, making students feel more comfortable sharing their own stories.
Establish simple rules, such as listening quietly and clapping after each presentation. Encourage students to support one another, ensuring everyone feels safe and respected while sharing.
Guide students to offer kind and specific compliments after each presentation. This helps build empathy and strengthens classroom relationships.
Lead a short class discussion about what everyone learned from sharing. Highlight the unique qualities in your classroom and reinforce the value of diversity.
'The Best Part of Me' read aloud activity involves students listening to Wendy Ewald's book, then choosing and illustrating their favorite part of themselves. This creative project helps build a positive classroom environment by celebrating each child's uniqueness and encouraging self-expression.
Begin the year by reading 'The Best Part of Me' aloud, then have students share and illustrate what makes them special. This activity fosters classroom community and helps students get to know each other in a meaningful way.
Encourage students to reflect on their strengths, use descriptive language, and create a visual that represents their chosen part. Provide examples and support to help all students participate confidently.
Reading aloud models fluency, expression, and comprehension. It also sparks discussion, supports vocabulary growth, and builds a love of reading among students of all ages.
The activity is designed for grades 3–6, but it can be adapted for younger or older students to promote self-esteem and celebrate diversity in the classroom.