The following is a narration of the activity…but you can download the lesson plan below…it is much more clear and organized :)
Description of Activity:
Basically, I cut out a generic paperdoll for each student–we have a diecut of this at school, but you could also run off copies and have the kids cut them out (example here). Then I give the kids about 20 minutes to create a paperdoll that looks like them. This is another great way to practice using classroom materials, you could even bring in fabric, scrapbook paper etc…
After everyone is finished, we come together and talk about being kind to each other. I have used the book “You are Special” by Max Lucado, but I’m sure there are other books that would fit (suggestions?). Now that I think about it it might be helpful to have a video clip to show the class too. Talking about what it looks like to be kind and unkind, how it feels to be bullied. Then we all take our paper dolls and pass them around the circle until I say stop. Then I tell the kids to rip the doll just a little bit. This is like calling someone a mean name. Note: the kids will be SUPER hesitant to do this, so it is important that you have a doll too so you can show them. Then we pass the dolls around again. STOP. Now crumple the doll a little bit. This is like leaving someone out who is different than you. Show the kids, let them do it, then pass again. STOP. Make a small tear somewhere else on the doll. This is like teasing someone or making fun of how they look. Pass out a pencil to each student, pass the dolls again. STOP. Make a mark somewhere on the doll with the pencil. This is like saying nasty or mean things about someone behind their backs. Pass, STOP. Make another mark on the doll. This is like listening to a friend saying something mean and not doing anything about it.
By this time the doll is in pretty sorry shape, have the kids continue to pass and stop when they get their own doll back. Now we have a conversation about how much time and effort they put into their doll, and how they fell now. This is a great time for kids to reflect on how this is like being unkind.
Now, I pass out tape and erasers and tell the kids to “fix” their dolls to try to make them look as good as they were before. After a few minutes, of course it is clear that they can’t. We continue the conversation about how our words are powerful and we can’t take them back, they will always leave marks and scars.
Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful ideas! I will definitely be using these in my room this year!
This is a really interesting idea. I think i will try it with the class i have coming up. Have you found any other books that work with it?
Hi Amy,
This is really powerful activity, I highly recommend it. I have never used a different book, but I have taught the lesson without reading the book (we often didn’t have time). If you find another book option please let me know!
Good luck,
Amy
Hi Amy,
I can’t thank you enough for sharing your creative ideas. I have been blessed with a 4th grade position in a new school district. I am excited yet nervous – my experience is in the primary grades. Your site has been extremely helpful. I look forward to beginning the year . Any recommendations for professional reads on organizing, and managing literature groups? Thank you again for sharing.
Hi Amy,
I have taught 4th grade for years and am soaking up all your ideas! One question about this activity. Do you ever get students reacting very emotionally about their doll being ruined? How do you handle this best? I can imagine you use it as a means to teach kindness, but I wonder if you have encountered any students who can’t get to the message because they are so upset about their work.
Paula, one year I did have a student who was pretty upset about her doll. Like you mentioned we used that reaction to talk about how people feel when they are bullied. She wasn’t so upset that she was unable to see the lesson. I don’t give the kids a ton of time to work on the doll (10-15 minutes) so they don’t have time to become too attached. I think you could also have extra cutouts available if students wanted to make one to keep. Hope that helps.
Amy