Activity Overview
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize one’s own feelings, strengths, weaknesses, and stressors. Self awareness is also the ability to see ourselves as unique human beings who are important and here for a purpose.
After listening to I Am Enough by Grace Byers, students will create a two cell storyboard that illustrates 2 things that make them unique. Each cell will follow the format of the book, using the words, “Like the…, I’m here to…” Students should be encouraged to think of a new simile, but may use an example from the book if the teacher chooses.
Examples from the story:
- ”Like the sun, I’m here to shine.”
- ”Like the voice, I’m here to sing.”
- ”Like the champ, I’m here to fight.”
- ”Like the heart, I’m here to love.”
- ”Like the tree, I’m here to grow.”
- ”Like the moon, I’m here to dream.”
Other Picture Books for Teaching Self Awareness
- Be Who You Are by Todd Parr
- Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids by Maud Roegiers
- Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
- Quick as a Cricket by Audry Wood
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that illustrates two of your unique features.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Fill in the headings.
- Create an illustration that represents the headings using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize one’s own feelings, strengths, weaknesses, and stressors. Self awareness is also the ability to see ourselves as unique human beings who are important and here for a purpose.
After listening to I Am Enough by Grace Byers, students will create a two cell storyboard that illustrates 2 things that make them unique. Each cell will follow the format of the book, using the words, “Like the…, I’m here to…” Students should be encouraged to think of a new simile, but may use an example from the book if the teacher chooses.
Examples from the story:
- ”Like the sun, I’m here to shine.”
- ”Like the voice, I’m here to sing.”
- ”Like the champ, I’m here to fight.”
- ”Like the heart, I’m here to love.”
- ”Like the tree, I’m here to grow.”
- ”Like the moon, I’m here to dream.”
Other Picture Books for Teaching Self Awareness
- Be Who You Are by Todd Parr
- Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids by Maud Roegiers
- Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
- Quick as a Cricket by Audry Wood
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that illustrates two of your unique features.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Fill in the headings.
- Create an illustration that represents the headings using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about I Am Enough: What Makes Me Unique
How to facilitate meaningful class discussions about uniqueness
Begin by creating a safe and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable sharing. Model openness by sharing your own unique qualities first, then invite students to volunteer their thoughts. Encourage respect by setting clear expectations for listening and valuing each other's input. Use open-ended prompts like, “What makes you special?” or “How do you show who you are?” to spark engagement.
Prompt students with creative examples to inspire sharing
Offer a few imaginative examples to spark ideas, such as, “Like a puzzle, I fit in my own way,” or “Like a river, I find my own path.” This helps students who may feel stuck and shows that uniqueness can be expressed in many ways.
Use think-pair-share to build confidence before whole-group discussion
Have students think quietly about what makes them unique, then share their ideas with a partner. This allows quieter students to practice sharing before opening up in front of the class, building confidence and trust.
Celebrate each student’s contribution with positive feedback
Recognize and affirm every student’s idea by offering specific praise, such as, “That’s a creative way to think about yourself!” or “I love how you compared yourself to a star.” This fosters self-esteem and reinforces a classroom culture of respect.
Frequently Asked Questions about I Am Enough: What Makes Me Unique
What is a simple self-awareness lesson for 3rd or 4th graders?
A simple self-awareness lesson for 3rd or 4th graders is to have students read I Am Enough by Grace Byers and then create a two-cell storyboard showing two things that make them unique, using similes inspired by the book.
How do I use 'I Am Enough' to teach students about uniqueness?
After reading I Am Enough, encourage students to make storyboards where each cell completes the phrase, “Like the…, I’m here to…,” helping them express what makes them special in their own words and images.
What are some examples of similes students can use to describe themselves?
Examples of similes students can use include: “Like the sun, I’m here to shine,” “Like the tree, I’m here to grow,” or they can create new ones such as “Like the river, I’m here to flow.”
What picture books help teach self-awareness to kids?
Great picture books for teaching self-awareness include Be Who You Are by Todd Parr, Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids by Maud Roegiers, Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and Quick as a Cricket by Audry Wood.
How can I guide students to create a storyboard about what makes them unique?
Guide students by asking them to brainstorm personal strengths or interests, then help them turn these into similes and illustrations for each cell of their storyboard, following the book’s format for clarity and inspiration.
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