Molly Merritt- Diversity lesson
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant
PURPOSE:
The students in our classroom are at a sensitive age where they are trying to figure out
who they are, and we as their teachers and mentors need to let them know that being different is
okay, is even encouraged and is totally awesome! Feeling different can be hard, but when people
(and elephants) accept the differences about each other, we can be happier with ourselves, and
we can live a more enriched life. If we as teachers and care givers took more time to celebrate
the differences in students’ personalities, cultures, families and home lives students would be
more likely to be comfortable with themselves and their differences.
READING
2.8 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of fictional texts.
e) Describe characters, setting, and important events in fiction and poetry.
f) Identify the problem and solution.
g) Identify the main idea.
WRITING
2.13 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and
spelling.
a) Recognize and use complete sentences.
OBJECTIVE:
Given a reading of the book, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, by David McKee, the student will
be able to identify the main character of the story, identify the problem and solution and identify
the main idea of the story, students will be assessed on their ability to identify the main idea in a
written summary
PROCEDURE:
INTRODUCTION:
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To grab attention, introduce the book to the students by displaying the cover, and
asking them the questions (A,V)
 What do you notice about Elmer? (He isn’t elephant colored, he’s
different)
 What could this mean for him?
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 How do you think the other elephants treat him?
Students will watch the book Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, by David McKee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyBKsBtcO8M
DEVELOPMENT:
Students will them be asked to think about and share
 What the main idea of the story?
 What was wrong with Elemer?
 What does Elmer do to try to solve his problem?
 What do the other elephants do to make Elmer feel better?
 How are you, as the student, special and unique?
The students will retell Elmer’s story, using the summary page and complete
sentences to capture the main idea
For students who struggle with sentence writing, aim for 2-3 sentences
For students who soar, aim for 3-5 on a fresh sheet of paper, to be glued inside
the construction paper
When the summary page has been written and checked for accuracy, students
will glue their copied summary to the inside of a folded piece of construction
paper
The students will then receive a paper cut out of Elmer, one already printed in
color, and one that’s blank for them to color however they want, in a way that
they feel represents them
When they are finishing coloring, students will glue both elephants to the cover
of their construction paper fold over
This will go into the hallway for display of art work, and writing sample preview
SUMMARY:
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Closure for this lesson should include a discussion of what the students learned
from the book, and about themselves
MAJOR CONCEPTS
 Self-acceptance
 Acceptance of others
 main idea of the book
 Problem solving
Materials
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Video of the book, Elmer the Patch Work Elephant, by David McKee,
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Construction paper
Paper elephant cut outs, facing both ways
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Coloring supplies, arts supplies
Summary planning page
EVALUATION A:
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Pre-lesson assessment will be the verbal discussion on the designated questions,
and to ensure the whole class participates, they will talk amongst their tables and
come up with an answer to share for each question, teacher will supervise to
ensure all students participate
Teacher will assess new knowledge based on correct completion of the provided
summary page
A more formal assessment will be provided with a written test at the end of the
unit
EVALUATION B:
 How can I prove the students understood the main concept? (read their work)
 Did my lesson have accommodations for strugglers and soarers? (Yes, based on number
of required sentences, and possible teacher assist with check in)
 With more time/less time? ( less I would have the students skip coloring their own
elephant, more I would read another book with a similar main idea and see if the
students could connect the idea that they are similar with the same activity for another
book)
 Did the students get from the lesson what I wanted them to take away? (selfacceptance, acceptance of others, acceptance of more diverse ideas)