### Civic Education Lesson Plan for Toddlers: Individual Differences
**Lesson Title:** Understanding and Celebrating Individual Differences
**Age Group:** Toddlers (Ages 2-4)
**Duration:** 30 minutes
#### **Objective:**
- To introduce the concept of individual differences.
- To help toddlers recognize that everyone is unique and special.
- To promote acceptance and celebrate diversity among peers.
#### **Materials Needed:**
- Picture books showcasing diversity (e.g., "It's Okay to Be Different" by Todd Parr)
- Assorted dolls or action figures with diverse characteristics (different skin tones, hair types, physical abilities, etc.)
- Colorful crayons or markers
- Drawing paper
- Music player with a variety of cultural songs
#### **Key Vocabulary:**
- Unique
- Different
- Same
- Special
- Friend
### **Lesson Outline:**
#### **1. Introduction (5 minutes)**
- **Welcome and Greeting:**
- Sing a short welcoming song to bring the children together.
- Briefly explain that today's lesson is about how everyone is special in their own way.
#### **2. Story Time (7 minutes)**
- **Read Aloud:**
- Sit in a circle and read the book "It's Okay to Be Different" by Todd Parr.
- Pause occasionally to show the pictures and engage the children by asking simple questions, such as "Do you see anyone in the picture with glasses like ours?" or "Can you find someone with curly hair?"
#### **3. Discussion & Activity (10 minutes)**
- **Show and Tell with Dolls:**
- Present the diverse dolls/action figures. Let the children explore and play with them.
- Facilitate a discussion by saying, "Look at all these dolls. They all look different. Some have brown hair, some have black hair, some have blue eyes, and some have green eyes. Just like how we all look different."
- Emphasize that each doll is special, just as each child is special and unique.
#### **4. Creative Drawing (5 minutes)**
- **Self-Portrait Activity:**
- Provide each child with drawing paper and crayons/markers.
- Encourage the children to draw a picture of themselves, highlighting their unique characteristics.
- Go around the classroom, giving positive feedback and asking questions like, "What color is your hair?" or "Can you draw your favorite shirt?"
#### **5. Music and Movement (3 minutes)**
- **Cultural Dance Celebration:**
- Play a variety of cultural songs and encourage the children to dance along.
- Celebrate diversity through music, ensuring the children understand that we can all enjoy different kinds of music and dance.
#### **6. Conclusion (2 minutes)**
- **Closing Discussion:**
- Gather the children back into a circle.
- Summarize that everyone is different and that’s what makes each person special.
- End with a simple song about friendship and acceptance.
### **Assessment:**
- Observe the children's interaction with the diverse dolls.
- Note their ability to describe their drawings and recognize unique traits.
- Assess participation in the discussions and activities.
### **Additional Notes:**
- Ensure all activities are inclusive and that every child feels involved and celebrated.
- Customize the lesson to better fit the specific group dynamics and individual needs of the children.
### **Reflection:**
- After the lesson, reflect on its success and areas for improvement.
- Are the children able to recognize and articulate the concept of individual differences?
- Did the children engage positively with the diverse materials?
**Remember:** The goal is for children to leave with a sense of acceptance and appreciation for themselves and others.