All About Us Class Book: Family Belongingness

Level 1 focuses on concrete, hands-on learning.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Large sugar paper sheets (various colours)

Crayons or washable markers

Child-safe scissors

Glue sticks

Photographs of children with their families (sent from home)

Large, blank notebook or binder to serve as the class book

Stickers (optional, for decoration)

Smocks for children

Learning Objectives

Children will verbally identify at least one family member and their relation to them.

Children will contribute a drawing or photograph to a class book that represents their family.

Children will demonstrate an understanding that families are unique and diverse.

Children will express feelings of belonging and connection to their family and the classroom community.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather children and sit in a circle. Begin by talking about families and how everyone has a family. Ask children, "Who is in your family?" and encourage them to share names and relationships (e.g., "Mommy," "Daddy," "Grandma").

2. Explain that you are going to make a special class book all about their families to put in our classroom library. This book will help everyone feel like they belong here, just like they belong in their families at home.

3. Hand out sugar paper and drawing materials. Invite children to draw a picture of their family. Encourage them to talk about who is in their drawing as they work.

4. Carefully cut out the children's drawings. Present each child with a photograph of themselves and their family.

5. Have children glue their family photograph and their drawing onto a page in the class book. As they do this, ask them to tell you about their family picture.

6. Write each child's name and a simple caption describing their family (e.g., " [Child's Name]'s Family") on their page.

7. Once all pages are complete, bind the book together. Read the book aloud to the class, pointing to each child's page and celebrating their family.

8. Place the class book in a prominent spot in the classroom, encouraging children to look at it during free play and quiet time.

Educator Tip

Ensure all children have a way to contribute, even if they are hesitant to draw. Offer to draw with them or help them glue their photo onto the page. For children who may not live with traditional family structures, use inclusive language and emphasize that "family" means the people that love and care for them. This creates a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Assessment

Observe children's verbal contributions during the initial discussion and when creating their book pages. Note their ability to identify family members and express ideas about their families. Collect the completed class book pages as evidence of their participation and understanding of family representation.

Educator tip

Include diverse family structures; celebrate each family.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Teacher checklist: engagement, page contribution.

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