Lesson Plan
Alike & Different Partners
Students will be able to identify and articulate at least two similarities and two differences between themselves and a partner, demonstrating an understanding of diversity and the importance of respecting others.
Understanding what makes us both similar and unique is crucial for building a respectful and inclusive classroom community. This lesson helps students recognize and value individual differences, laying a foundation for empathy and positive social interactions.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Partners share and identify similarities/differences.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper, Markers, and Our Amazing Similarities & Differences Activity
Prep
Activity Preparation
5 minutes
- Review the Our Amazing Similarities & Differences Activity instructions.
- Prepare a space for students to work in pairs.
- Ensure markers and whiteboard/chart paper are accessible for recording ideas (optional).
Step 1
Introduction (2 minutes)
2 minutes
- Gather students in a common area.
- Briefly review the concept of 'alike' (the same) and 'different' (not the same) using simple examples (e.g., 'We are all alike because we have two eyes, but we are different because we have different hair colors').
- Introduce the activity: 'Today, we are going to explore how we are alike and different with a partner!'
Step 2
Pairing Up (1 minute)
1 minute
- Instruct students to find a partner. (Teacher may pre-assign partners if preferred).
Step 3
Our Amazing Similarities & Differences Activity (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Distribute the Our Amazing Similarities & Differences Activity to each pair if using the worksheet, or instruct them to simply talk with their partner.
- Explain the task: 'With your partner, you will talk about things that make you the same and things that make you different. Try to find at least two ways you are alike and two ways you are different.'
- Provide examples of things to discuss: 'You might talk about your favorite foods, hobbies, eye color, things you like to do at school, or even if you have siblings.'
- Circulate around the room, listening to discussions and offering guidance or prompts as needed.
- Encourage students to listen respectfully to their partners.
Step 4
Wrap-up and Share (2 minutes)
2 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Ask a few pairs to share one similarity and one difference they found.
- Reinforce the main message: 'It's wonderful that we are all unique and have special things about us, and it's also great to find things we have in common. No matter how we are alike or different, it's important to always treat everyone with kindness and respect.'
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Slide Deck
Alike & Different Partners
Exploring what makes us unique and what we share!
Greet students and introduce the topic of exploring what makes us special and how we connect with others.
What does 'Alike' mean?
When things are alike, they are the same or very similar!
Ask students what 'alike' means. Guide them to understand it means 'the same' or 'similar.' Give a few simple examples like 'We are all alike because we are students in this class.'
What does 'Different' mean?
When things are different, they are not the same or they are unique!
Ask students what 'different' means. Guide them to understand it means 'not the same' or 'unique.' Give a few simple examples like 'We are different because we have different favorite colors.'
Our Amazing Similarities & Differences Activity!
Find a partner!
Talk about things that make you alike.
Talk about things that make you different.
Remember to listen and be respectful!
Introduce the partner activity. Explain that they will be talking with a friend to find ways they are alike and different. Emphasize listening and respecting each other. Refer to the Our Amazing Similarities & Differences Activity for instructions.
Activity
Our Amazing Similarities & Differences Activity!
Instructions: Work with your partner. Talk about what makes you ALIKE and what makes you DIFFERENT. Try to find at least two ways you are alike and two ways you are different!
Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
- Favorite food 🍎
- What you like to do for fun ⚽
- Eye color 👀
- Number of siblings 👨👩👧👦
- Favorite color 🎨
- Things you like to do at school 🏫
We are ALIKE because...
We are DIFFERENT because...
Bonus: Draw a picture of you and your partner, showing one way you are alike and one way you are different!
Script
Teacher Script: Alike & Different Partners
Introduction (2 minutes)
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today we're going to talk about something really interesting: what makes each of us special and what we share in common. We're going to explore how we are 'alike' and how we are 'different'."
"Can anyone tell me what it means to be alike?" (Pause for student responses). "That's right! When we are alike, we are the same in some ways, or very similar. For example, we are all alike because we are first graders! We all come to school to learn and grow."
"Now, what about different? What does it mean to be different?" (Pause for student responses). "Exactly! Being different means we are not the same. It means each of us is unique and special in our own way. For example, we might have different favorite colors, or different pets at home, or even different hair colors."
"It's wonderful that we are all a little bit alike and a little bit different. And today, we're going to celebrate that!"
Pairing Up (1 minute)
"Now, I need you to find a partner. Please find one person to work with today. If you can't find a partner, raise your hand, and I will help you." (Give students a moment to find partners. If pre-assigned, instruct them to go to their partners.)
Our Amazing Similarities & Differences Activity (10 minutes)
"Okay, now that you have your partners, we are going to do a special activity called Our Amazing Similarities & Differences Activity!"
"Your job with your partner is to talk about things that make you alike and things that make you different. I want you to try and find at least two ways you are alike and two ways you are different."
"You can talk about anything! Maybe your favorite foods, what you like to do for fun, if you have a brother or sister, what color shirt you are wearing, or even your favorite subject in school."
"(Optional: If using the worksheet) I'm going to give each pair a paper to help you remember your ideas. You can write or draw your ideas in the spaces provided."
"The most important thing is to listen respectfully to your partner. Everyone's ideas and experiences are important and valuable."
"I will be walking around to listen to your amazing conversations and help if you get stuck. You have 10 minutes for this activity. Begin!" (Circulate, provide prompts like: "What's something you both love?" "Is there something you do after school that's different?")
Wrap-up and Share (2 minutes)
"Alright, friends, bring your attention back to me. Thank you for those wonderful conversations!"
"Can a pair share one thing you found that makes you alike?" (Call on 1-2 pairs).
"And can another pair share one thing you found that makes you different?" (Call on 1-2 pairs).
"Fantastic! You all did a great job noticing how special you are, both by yourselves and with others. Remember, it's so important that we always treat everyone with kindness and respect, no matter if they are just like us or wonderfully different from us. Our differences make our classroom, and our world, a very interesting and exciting place!"
Warm Up
Warm Up: Alike & Different Quick Check
Instructions: Think about our class. Can you name one way we are all alike and one way we are all different?
One way our class is ALIKE is:
One way our class is DIFFERENT is:
Cool Down
Cool Down: Respect Reflection
Instructions: What is one important thing you learned today about treating people who are different from you?
I learned that it is important to
.