Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Learning Objectives
Students will identify what makes Pixie different (her wings).
Students will express one thing they like about themselves.
Students will practice fine motor skills through a craft activity.
Materials
Procedure (45 minutes)
(5 mins) Circle Time Introduction: Ask students if they have ever felt different from their friends. Introduce the character Pixie who is a fairy.
(10 mins) Read-Along: Watch the read-along video of 'Just Be You'. Encourage students to point to Pixie's wings whenever they see them.
(5 mins) Discussion: Ask simple questions like 'Why was Pixie sad?' and 'What makes Pixie special?'
(20 mins) Craft Activity: Provide each student with paper plates to decorate as their own 'unique wings' using markers and glitter glue. Help them attach yarn to wear them.
(5 mins) Closing: Have a 'Wing Parade' where students march around the room showing off their special wings.
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Learning Objectives
Students will understand the concept of uniqueness.
Students will compare and contrast their feelings with Pixie's.
Students will formulate questions about the author's purpose.
Materials
Procedure (35 minutes +20 minutes Optional Q&A)
(5 mins) Hook: Pass a mirror around the circle. Ask students to look in it and say one thing they see that is special.
(10 mins) Storytime: Watch the read-along video of 'Just Be You'.
(10 mins) Discussion: Talk about how Pixie tried to hide her wings. Ask, 'Is it fun to hide who you are?' Use a T-chart to list things Pixie did to fit in versus things she did when she was herself.
(10 mins) Drawing Activity: Students draw a picture of themselves doing something they love, writing the caption 'I am special because...'
(20 mins) Optional Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author's Q&A video. Afterward, lead a class discussion where students brainstorm new questions they would want to ask the author about Pixie or writing stories.
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Learning Objectives
Students will identify the main problem and solution in the story.
Students will define 'courage' in the context of being oneself.
Students will practice inquiry by generating questions for the author.
Materials
Procedure (40 minutes + 20 minutes Optional Q&A)
(5 mins) Vocabulary: Introduce the word 'Courage'. Discuss what it means to be brave socially, not just physically.
(10 mins) Reading: Watch the read-along video. Ask students to look for the moment Pixie shows courage.
(15 mins) Group Activity: Create a 'Story Map' on chart paper together (Characters, Setting, Problem: Pixie hides wings, Solution: Pixie reveals wings/acceptance).
(10 mins) Journaling: Students write 2-3 sentences about a time they felt different or special.
(20 mins) Optional Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author's Q&A video. Facilitate a discussion on the author's creative choices. Ask students, 'If you could ask the author why she chose a fairy for this story, what would you say?' Have students write down one question.
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Learning Objectives
Students will analyze character development and change.
Students will discuss the role of friendship in self-acceptance.
Students will engage in critical thinking regarding the author's message.
Materials
Procedure (40 minutes + 20 minutes Optional Q&A)
(5 mins) Think-Pair-Share: Ask students to discuss with a partner what makes a good friend.
(10 mins) View: Watch the read-along video. Pay attention to how the other students in 'Humanville' react to Pixie at the end.
(15 mins) Character Arc: Draw a timeline of Pixie's feelings (Worried -> Embarrassed -> Brave -> Happy). Discuss why the other kids accepted her.
(5 mins) Reflection: Have students write a 'Welcome Note' to Pixie as if they were in her class.
(25 mins) Optional Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author's Q&A video. Discuss how authors use real-life feelings to write fiction. Have the class compile a list of 'Interview Questions' they would ask the author to learn more about the book's creation.
Alternative Lesson Plan - Ages 3 - 7
Learning Objectives
Students will demonstrate story comprehension through physical movement.
Students will identify emotions associated with body language.
Students will practice active listening.
Materials
Procedure (40 minutes)
(5 mins) Warm-up: Stretching and shaking out 'the wiggles'. Hand out dance scarves to represent wings.
(15 mins) Active Viewing: Watch the read-along video. Instruct students to 'hide' (curl in a ball) when Pixie hides her wings, and 'fly' (dance with scarves) when she reveals them.
(10 mins) Emotion Freeze Dance: Play music. When the music stops, call out an emotion from the book (Nervous, Shy, Proud, Happy). Students must freeze in a pose matching that emotion.
(10 mins) Cool Down: Sit in a circle and breathe deeply. Ask students how it felt to 'fly' like Pixie.