All About Us Class Book: Family Belongingness

Level 2 strengthens comprehension + application.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Large chart paper or bulletin board space

- Markers or crayons

- Plain paper for children’s drawings

- Glue sticks

- Pre cut-out shapes of houses, trees, or hearts

- Photographs of the children’s families (collected beforehand)

- A blank book or binder to assemble the class book

- Stickers

Learning Objectives

- Children will verbally share information about their family members.

- Children will create a drawing or collage representing their family.

- Children will practise identifying family members in photographs.

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children in a circle and introduce the idea of creating a "Class Book: All About Us." Explain that the book will celebrate all the different families that make up their classroom.

2. Begin by asking children to share one thing they love about their family or something special they do together at home.

3. Show the collected family photographs and invite children to point out family members and share their names or a brief description.

4. Provide each child with a piece of paper, crayons, and markers. Ask them to draw a picture of their family. Encourage them to include all the people who are part of their family.

5. Offer pre-cut shapes for children who may need extra support in their drawing. They can glue these onto their paper to represent their home or family members.

6. Once drawings are complete, invite children to share their artwork and talk about who is in their picture and what their family enjoys doing.

7. Glue each child’s drawing and, if available, a family photograph into the blank class book. Write the child’s name next to their contribution.

8. Finally, add a page at the beginning of the book that says "Our Families" with a large heart or house shape. Children can add stickers or their handprints to this page to show their shared belongingness.

Educator Tip

Encourage children to talk about all types of families, including those with pets or other significant members. Remind children that every family is special and unique. Ensure a safe and supportive environment where all children feel comfortable sharing and participating. You can send home a note asking families to share a photo if they wish, while also assuring them that it is optional.

Assessment

Observe children's participation in discussions and their ability to identify family members in photos and their own drawings. Note their willingness to share personal information about their families. The completed class book, with drawings and photos, will serve as a tangible representation of their learning and their feelings of belonging.

Educator tip

Require complete thoughts; photograph work for portfolios.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Anecdotal notes + product check.

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