I am excited to start year two of Bookology! I contemplated doing themes around COVID-19 and then I thought why not write about the importance of being a purple person? Some of you might be asking yourself the following questions: Does this relate to science? Do you become purple by eating eggplants or beets? Do you paint yourself purple? Let me explain.
I was walking around the children’s department at the library where I work. I combed through some of our new books. I stumbled on The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart. This is an interactive story that adds humor, empathy, appreciation, and curiosity. This book emphasizes that purple people paint a world where accepting yourself is important and helping others is essential. Here is the link to the interview Kristen did with ET Canada about this book. This book also helped me generate new program opportunities that encourage children to explore who they are and the world around them. Enjoy.
Program 1: Make Me Purple
Set up a table with paper, crayons, and/or markers and then read the book, The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart. Following the book, have children write and draw what they learned from the book about what it means to be a purple person. Post these up on a wall or the refrigerator to help them remember the importance of being purple.
Program 2: The Puzzle of Me
For this activity, children will create a puzzle of themselves. To do this, have them draw puzzle pieces, making sure the pieces are able to be put together. For each piece, have them draw something that is unique about them or a word or phrase. Once complete, encourage them to give their puzzle to a family member or friend to put together.
Program 3: I Am Game
This game is similar to charades. Instruct children to think about words that describe who they are and to write them down. Next, have them draw a picture of themselves on a piece of construction paper and post it up. Gather family and friends and have the child act out the word that describes them. When someone gets a word correct, have the child glue it to their drawing. Once finished have them say, “I am” followed by all of the words that they acted out that describe themselves.
Resources to Help Spark Ideas on Individuality
- Kids in Service: Teaching Kids Empathy
- Kids World Citizen: Videos about Empathy For Kids
- The Child Development Institute
- Education World: Everyone is Unique
- Penn State Extension: We are different, we are the same
Mr. Z’s Book Selections on Individuality: