Our Community Stories Lesson Plan Our Community Stories
Lesson Plan • 3rd Grade • 20 Minutes
Tier 1
Objective
Identify one way a peer's background differs from theirs and explain why that diversity is valuable.
Prep Time
10 Minutes: Review slide deck, select storybook, and print worksheets.
Approach
Discussion-based warm-up, read-aloud, and reflective drawing/writing.
Why This Matters
Understanding and celebrating the unique stories within our community helps us build a more empathetic and inclusive classroom. By recognizing and valuing diverse backgrounds, students develop respect for others and a stronger sense of belonging.
Materials Needed
Our Community Stories Slide Deck
Culturally Diverse Storybook
Windows and Mirrors Worksheet
Whiteboard or Projector
Drawing Materials
Poster board for class mural
Instructional Sequence
1. Warm Up: Diverse Communities
5 MIN
Hook & Engage: Ask students to close their eyes and visualize their family, neighborhood, and the languages or foods they encounter daily.
"Now, open your eyes. Who would like to share one thing they thought about their family or neighborhood? Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, just observations!"
Allow 2-3 students to share. Transition to the lesson theme: celebrating all the amazing different stories that make up our classroom community.
2. Read-Aloud: Cultural Stories
7 MIN
Explore & Explain: Introduce the selected storybook (see Reading Guide for suggestions). Briefly explain the book's theme.
"As I read, I want you to listen for ways the characters' experiences might be different from yours, and also ways they might be similar."
Read the story with expression, pausing occasionally to highlight cultural traditions or family structures mentioned in the text.
3. Windows and Mirrors Activity
5 MIN
Elaborate & Engage: Introduce the concept of "Windows and Mirrors."
Mirror: A story that reflects your own experiences.Window: A story that shows you something new about someone else.
Distribute the Windows and Mirrors Worksheet . Give students 3-4 minutes to draw/write their reflections.
Partner Share: Have students share one "window" (something new they learned) with a neighbor for 1 minute.
4. Our Community Poster Creation
3 MIN
Evaluate & Extend: Introduce the "Our Community" mural project.
"Think about one thing you love about your background or family tradition. It could be a food, holiday, or language. We will add these to our class poster to show our unique stories!"
Wrap up by reinforcing that everyone's story is valuable and makes the community stronger.
Our Community Stories Presentation Our Community Stories
Exploring the diverse experiences that make us special!
Welcome to Class
What Makes a Community?
Think about...
Your family and traditions
Your neighborhood and its people
Languages, foods, and celebrations
"Share one thought with the class!"
A Story About Cultures
Listen closely as we read the story today.
While you listen, think about:
How are the characters like you?
How are they different?
Windows and Mirrors
Mirror
Shows you something about yourself or your family.
Window
Shows you something new about someone else's life.
"Draw or write one of each on your worksheet!"
Our Community Poster
What makes your background special? Think of one thing you'd love to share!
Favorite Food
Special Holiday
Language
We will add to our class mural all week!
Celebrating Our Community
Every story makes our community stronger, more colorful, and much more interesting!
Thank you for sharing and learning!
Storybook Selection Guide Resource Reading Selection Guide
Teacher Resource: Storybook Selection
Purpose in the Lesson
The storybook is the heart of the "Our Community Stories" lesson. It acts as both a mirror (reflecting the student's own life) and a window (introducing them to a new perspective).
Key Objectives:
Showcase diverse family structures or cultural traditions.
Promote empathy and appreciation for differences.
Spark discussions about similarities and unique experiences.
Selection Criteria
Engaging Narratives
Choose books with a strong 3rd-grade protagonist that students can emotionally connect with.
Authentic Representation
Look for #OwnVoices authors who represent the culture or community depicted in the story.
Visual Richness
Detailed illustrations help "window" learners visualize a world or tradition they've never seen.
Universal Themes
Ensure the story highlights universal values like family, friendship, or perseverance alongside specific differences.
Top Recommendations for 3rd Grade
"The Name Jar" by Yangsook Choi
Theme: Immigrant experience, pride in heritage, and the power of a name.
Follows Unhei as she moves from Korea and considers changing her name to fit in, only to realize the beauty of her original name.
"Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match" by Monica Brown
Theme: Multiracial identity, creativity, and self-acceptance.
A vibrantly illustrated book about a Peruvian-Scottish-American girl who loves things that "don't match," celebrating her unique hybrid identity.
"Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña
Theme: Urban community, class diversity, and finding beauty in daily life.
A young boy and his grandmother ride the bus through a diverse city, finding gratitude and richness in their community despite having less than others.
Pre-Reading Checklist
Read through: Identify specific "mirrors" and "windows" in the text before the lesson.
Vocabulary: Pre-teach 1-2 cultural terms (e.g., specific foods, clothing, or holiday names) found in the book.
Visual Aids: If the book mentions a specific country or tradition, have a map or photo ready to show.
Windows and Mirrors Worksheet Windows & Mirrors
Community Stories Reflection
Name:
Date:
After listening to the story, think about how stories can be like windows or mirrors . A mirror shows you something about yourself, while a window shows you something new about others!
Part 1: My Mirror
What was one thing in the story that reminded you of yourself , your family, or something you have experienced? (A feeling, activity, or tradition).
Draw your mirror moment here
Write about it...
Part 2: My Window
What was one thing in the story that taught you something new about a different culture or family? Why is it valuable to learn about this?
Draw your window moment here
Write about it...
Bonus Challenge!
Share your "window" moment with a classmate! What did they learn from you?
