TeachPeaceNow

Book Title_Sneetches

Author Dr. Seuss

This title fits these categories

racial awareness and variety Shows diverse people living their lives
racial pride Provides strong/positive role model for diverse children
racial issue Shows historical or contemporary inequality based on race
activist Shows ways you can make a difference

Classification picturebook

Acceptable grade levels Preschool & Elementary, Middle School, High School

Concepts/ Topics covered in book:

Some Sneetches have stars on their bellies and other have none, and they soon learn that senseless prejudice is silly and useless.

Guiding Questions/Activities

Before teaching: Watch the video A Class Divided to see a similar learning activity. Available http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/

Before Reading: Introduce the idea of institutionalized racism and privilege by pasting gold stars on the back of some children hands. Then tell the class that only those students will get certain privileges – such as have free choice time or extra time on the playground. Later in day say you made a mistake and say that only those without the stars get those privileges. At the end of day discuss how everyone felt with and without the stars. Then read the story. (Note: Adjust activity for middle school and high school by giving different amounts of homework)

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