Crayons
Some are sharp,
Some are dull,
Some are light,
Some are dark,
Some have unique names,
and are all different colors,
But they all have to live in the same box.
Discussion:
Appreciating diversity is valuing what makes us similar as well as different. This poem talks about learning to live together and appreciating the unique qualities of others. Encourage participants to look around themselves and take note of all the things that make them who they are.
This poem is special because it can be adapted to discuss all areas such as gender, age, physical abilities, intelligence levels, racial/ethnic backgrounds, economic status, beliefs, family structures, places of residence, and so forth.
Example Question & Prompts:
How are people similar to a box of crayons?
Elementary School:
1. Have you ever met someone with a name that was new to you? How did it make you feel?
2. What are some ways people can be different from each other?
3. If everyone in your class liked the same things, would that be fun? Why or why not?
4. How can we be kind to people who look or sound different from us?
5. What's something special about you that makes you unique?
Middle School:
1. How do you react when you meet someone who speaks differently than you do?
2. What are some advantages of having people with different backgrounds in your school?
3. Can you think of a time when you learned something new from someone with a different culture?
4. How might judging someone's intelligence based on their appearance be unfair?
5. Imagine if everyone in your town had the same hobbies and beliefs. What might be good or bad about that?
High School and Beyond:
1. How does exposure to diverse names and accents contribute to cultural awareness and sensitivity?
2. Analyze the relationship between physical appearance and perceptions of intelligence. What societal factors influence these perceptions?
3. What strategies can communities employ to foster integration among people with diverse traditions, beliefs, and values?
4. Evaluate the potential consequences of a hypothetical world where everyone was identical in appearance, thought, and culture.
5. How does diversity contribute to innovation and problem-solving in society? Provide examples from history or current events.