Using Literature to Learn about Communities

Feeling like we belong in a community is what helps us succeed and feel motivated. For many children, belonging means to be the same as others so you'll be liked. Kids are like sponges and if they see a reaction to someone that they like, they might want to change their behavior so they can receive that same feedback.

At this point, you might be thinking that isn't always bad thing. And you're right, it isn't! Kids are constantly testing and experimenting to learn about the world around them and to "find themselves." What is important, however, is that while you're doing this, you don't forget about your own needs and who you already are.

We read The Sneetches, a book about the argument between star-bellied Sneetches and plain-bellied Sneetches. We talked about if the book had a community we would want to be part of. Everyone decided they wouldn't want to be a part of it, but then began to talk about whether they would want to be star-bellied Sneetches or plan-bellied Sneetches. As the discussion continued, a few small voices began to say "it doesn't actually matter." The tone of the conversation changed as all children began to talk about how it didn't matter whether they were star-bellied or plain-bellied. Here's some quotes from our discussion:

• "I would rather be star-bellied because they're the coolest."
• "It doesn't matter what they look like, they all got mixed up so you don't even know who is who."
• "Having a star on your belly doesn't make you better at everything and everyone. Like being good at math doesn't mean you're better at everything and everyone either."
• "Even if you have a plain belly, you still might be really mean or nice."

This week, Mrs. Daigle read NEVILLE and we read The Brand New Kid. These realistic fiction books sparked a discussion on being brave and being different. We talked about how making our own choices because we know they are right, can change someone's day.

In NEVILLE, a character thinks cleverly about how to be included. He's very shy at first and scared, but find courage and confidence as he begins to feel like other children care about him and his friend, Neville.


In The Brand New Kid, we talked about how everyone was mean to the new student, Lazlo S. Gasky. They made fun of his name, how he looked, and how he sounded. He started to go to school, knowing and accepting that he'd be teased every day. Then one day, another child decides to get to know him, even though her friends tell her not to because he's "different." She learns that he is similar to her in ways, but different too. Our class talked about how this was a good thing and how it makes friendships and communities more interesting.

• "It's like he had no perseverance. I mean, like stamina. He just gives up and doesn't even keep trying. Like in reading when we do that, we don't get better, so neither will he."
• "This book makes me want to meet him and be nice to him."
• "They're not treating him with respect and he's not taking care of himself. They're not even following class rules. Where are their rules? They should make them because they protect you."

*Questions for reflection with your child:

•  What kind of community would you want to live in?
• Is being different good or not?
• How would you treat someone who was different?
• Why is it important to be yourself?