Embracing Our Differences Through Books and Crafts: Cloudette

One of the big lessons I want both of my daughters to carry with them through life is: No matter what others say to you or think about you, you can accomplish great things.  I especially worry about this with C as she gets older and her differences from her peers become more apparent to her and others. So, I was really excited when I came across Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld at our local library.

Image from Macmillan 

Cloudette is smaller than the other clouds around her.  Although she realizes that there are some major advantages to being smaller than the other clouds, she also feels like her size difference has some serious disadvantages -- primarily that since she is small, she won't be able to do anything BIG! The book teaches children that no matter their size or their differences, they can do BIG things and make a positive impact.

This week, we started out by making a yummy Jello treat from Kraft.  I love it because it only requires a handful of ingredients: boiling water, 2 pkgs of blue jello, Cool Whip. Seriously, super easy.  The recipe can be found HERE!

Image from Kraft

As we made the treat, we talked about the differences in our clouds.  Some of the clouds were small and others were larger. Some of the clouds were really long and others were really short.  Some were extra fluffy and others were not.

After talking about the differences in our clouds and waited for our treat to be ready to eat, we read all about Cloudette. The kiddos enjoyed the story and the snack.  To be honest, so did I!

Here is a link to listen to the story

Embracing Our Differences Through Books and Crafts: Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears?

"Do you know why I go to therapy, mom?" C asked me one day. "Because I'm going to be a super hero and save the world" she said with a smile on her face. I have no doubt that she has the potential to make the world a better place.  In fact, I hope every single one of our kiddos does just that -- saves the world in their own special way.

I was super surprised and happy when I ran into the book Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle and illustrated by Mike Gordon.  The book focuses on the fact that -- no matter our abilities, differences, fears, and strengths -- we can all become a hero.

You can listen to the book and read along here.

After reading the book, we made Popsicle Stick Super Heroes. (Big shout out to our local librarian for this idea!)

Materials: Popsicle Sticks, Construction Paper (1 Large Triangle, 1 Small Rectangle), Pipe Cleaner, Markers, Glue Stick.

Optional: Googly Eyes. We made ours with pieces of white paper and marker.

Directions:  This is relatively simple.  You just glue your pieces on and decorate your super hero however you would like!

When we finished, we put on a Super Hero Puppet Show.

Let me know what you think of the book and how the craft goes if you decide to make it. I'd love to see pictures in the comments!

Super Hero Themed Books That Embrace Differences:

Mighty Mito Superhero

The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan

Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers

How to Be a Superhero Called Self-Control

The Pirate of Kindergarten