Storytelling Unit Opener, Part 2

My task (the link to the theme) was to (help make) memories and stories of past events (that) are treasures a family can share. I came up with a great idea.
For this Unit Opener, I cut doll bodies in 5 assorted colors of browns to represent most of the colors of the children in the classes. Ahead of time, I made one of myself from a darker brown die cut, short hair that I drew on, small stud earrings, and a dress, with a backpack and a ruler. I shared this with the students who thought it was so cute. I told them that I was going to give them one that was close to their skin color when we began our lesson.

As I held up my example, I asked,  “Who is this?”
“It’s you!” they all said.
“How do you know?” I asked.
There was various answers. All correct.
“Good. I’m glad you get it,” I said. When you get yours, I want to be able to tell what your picture is about.
Since this assignment was all about memories and connections, and since I love reading and doing read alouds, I chose Natasha Anastasia Tarpley’s “I Love My Hair”.
My connection(s): The little girl in the story had braids. My mother used to braid my hair; I now braid my daughter’s hair.
So that everyone could see, I made an 11″ X 17″ poster of the front of “I Love My Hair”.
I passed around a picture of my daughter with braids for the class to see. The students always love to see my children. I think it’s because they think that teachers aren’t real people and don’t have real lives.

I also used some real life examples. A couple of the little girls in some of the classrooms had braids, so I told everyone to look at their braids. This served two purposes. It’s a real life example, plus the student who’s receiving all the attention feels special.
I had three copies of the book- a board book, a hardcover book, and a book made by Phillise. As I read, I let two students in the class (usually the ones who have behavior problems) be my helpers and hold up the board book and Phillise’s book so that everyone could see. After reading the story, I had other students pass out the construction paper for them to glue their die cuts on, the doll die cuts, scissors, glue/glue sticks, crayons, ribbon, and pencils to draw with.
It turned out really well. I had a wonderful time. The children had a wonderful time. It was great.
How funny that I always think that I’m not going to be able to fill the time, or that the children won’t be engaged. It’s never happened. Although I had one little girl say that she didn’t want to do it.
“Oh stop it girl,” I said. You are at school. You don’t have a choice. You are at school to work.
“Isn’t that why you came to school?” I asked her.
She shook her head.
“Okay then, get to work”.
“Do you need help?”
(blank stare) So I go and help her.
She didn’t finish, but she didn’t give me trouble either. Mission accomplished.
I worry for nothing!