The Crayon Box that Talked
Radix Elementary School
Overview
“The Crayon Box that Talked” is a profound poem by Shane DeRolf that conveys the simple message that differences should not only be tolerated and accepted but embraced. The crayons soon learn that when we work together the outcome is much more beautiful, colorful and interesting.
Lesson Objectives
Students will learn to be caring and respectful toward others despite differences.
Materials Needed
• The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane DeRolf
• Pencils, paper, crayons
• Crayon Pattern
• Crayon Box Pattern
• Pencils, paper, crayons
• Crayon Pattern
• Crayon Box Pattern
Procedures
Read and discuss “The Crayon Box that Talked.”
• Why didn’t the crayons get along? (Possible response: They were each so different from one another)
• How did the crayons learn to get along? (Possible response: Learning to appreciate each ones’ special qualities.
• Why didn’t the crayons get along? (Possible response: They were each so different from one another)
• How did the crayons learn to get along? (Possible response: Learning to appreciate each ones’ special qualities.
Assesment
• Teacher will listen to the comments made about the children’s fellow classmates.
• Teacher will observe student behaviors toward fellow classmates.
• Teacher will observe student behaviors toward fellow classmates.
Extensions and Adaptations
1. Class-Made Book entitled, “Child’s Name is Special”
(This may be done in conjunction with a Student of the Week/Day Program where each child will be honored.) As a class, discuss the designated child’s special qualities. Allow each classmate to illustrate the honored student. Under the illustration, the child may complete the following sentence: “_______ is special because...” Compile the illustrations into a class-made book that is presented to the honoree at the end of his/her special week.
2. Bulletin Board
Use patterns of a crayon, one per child, using various colors of rainbow, and a crayon box. Take a digital picture of each child and mount onto crayons. Display crayon spilling out of crayon box. Possible caption: “The Colors of Our Kindergarten”
(This may be done in conjunction with a Student of the Week/Day Program where each child will be honored.) As a class, discuss the designated child’s special qualities. Allow each classmate to illustrate the honored student. Under the illustration, the child may complete the following sentence: “_______ is special because...” Compile the illustrations into a class-made book that is presented to the honoree at the end of his/her special week.
2. Bulletin Board
Use patterns of a crayon, one per child, using various colors of rainbow, and a crayon box. Take a digital picture of each child and mount onto crayons. Display crayon spilling out of crayon box. Possible caption: “The Colors of Our Kindergarten”
Related Links and Resources
DeRolf, S. The Crayon Box that Talked. New York: Random House, Inc., 1997.
Credit
Sandra Fiorentino, Kindergarten teacher at Radix Elementary School, a 2007 National School of Character, wrote this lesson.