Second Graders Create “The Story of Us”

Second-grade homerooms joined forces to create The Story of Us, a digital book that highlights not only their unique personalities and life experiences but also connections made through celebrating each other’s similarities and differences. 
 
The activity unfolded through the lens of Peck’s second grade Building Belonging curricular lesson set, which consists of age-appropriate, affirming, and empowering lessons that help students better connect with others and their own experiences—and build appreciation for the dignity and gifts of each individual.

Students began the project by answering four questions all about themselves at home with an adult. Then in the following days, they partnered with a classmate to discuss their answers, comparing and contrasting what they do and do not have in common. In doing so, students built deeper connections and recognized that “differences” contribute to uniqueness.

Each pair then created their own colorful “Story of Us” two-page display highlighting their similarities and differences. Students and their teachers then used BookCreator to compile their entries into a heartfelt creation that reflects the unity that is within diversity. 

“The building belonging curriculum instills the importance of creating community in our students. All of the lessons focus on how to make others feel significant and valued while creating a love for learning and stronger communities within the classroom,” said Second Grade Lead Teacher Jane Attah.

Each child is an author for a page in “The Story of Us” book which can be read here.