Embrace Uniqueness with Gingerbread Cookies

Begin by reading aloud Tough Cookie by Edward Hemingway to your students.

Then, have a classroom discussion about the story's message of accepting and celebrating differences. Ask questions like:

• What makes the sugar cookie different from the others?
• How did the sugar cookie discover his uniqueness?
• Why is it important to embrace our differences?

Let students know they will be designing unique gingerbread cookies that represent their individual qualities.

Before starting, it might be helpful to have students use a cluster organizer to brainstorm unique qualities, skills, or characteristics that make them special.

Cluster Organizer

Assign the One Unique Cookie activity to help students design their personalized gingerbread cookies. Instruct students to use the paint tools and stickers from the Image Library to help decorate their cookies. Students then finish a sentence start about how they are unique.

One Unique Cookie Activity

Once students have completed their gingerbread cookie designs, allow them the opportunity to present their creations to the class. Encourage students to share what makes their gingerbread cookies special and how they relate to the theme of acceptance.

Lead a reflection discussion with questions like:

• How did it feel to share what makes you unique?
• Why is it important to celebrate our differences?