I Am Who I Am
What’s inside...
Elle the elephant is excited to venture out into the jungle and discover new friends. She soon discovers something far more important. She learns that she's very different from the other animals in the jungle but more importantly, she learns it's okay to be different.
Age
2-6
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes you special or unique, just like the characters in the book?
How did the characters in the story show courage or confidence?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as any of the characters?
Why is it important to accept and celebrate each person's differences?
How do you feel when you help someone or when someone helps you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Make the conversation light and enjoyable, ensuring the child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.
Praise your child for their unique qualities and share some of your own, fostering a mutual exchange of personal value and acceptance.
Use examples from the book to highlight the outcomes of being true to oneself or standing up for others, reinforcing the lessons learned.
Encourage your child to think of times when they acted similarly to the characters, linking the story to real-life experiences.
Listen actively and validate their feelings, showing genuine interest in their perspectives and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The book portrays the journey of a young character who learns to embrace their unique qualities, overcoming insecurities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and celebrating their own differences, fostering a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with diverse characters, the protagonist understands and respects different perspectives, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: In real life, children can practice empathy by listening and being considerate to their peers' feelings and views.
Example Lesson: Courage to make friends
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes shyness and reaches out to make new friends, demonstrating courage.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone to initiate friendships, enhancing social skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: The book highlights the protagonist’s determination in facing challenges, underlying the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persist in their goals and tasks, regardless of difficulties they might face.
Example Lesson: Respect for others
Explanation: The narrative includes scenes where characters learn the value of respecting others, regardless of differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to treat everyone with respect, which is crucial for building healthy relationships in their community.