When you look at snowflakes up close, it’s amazing to see just how intricate and beautiful these tiny little ice crystals are. Every snowflake crystal has six sides, but otherwise every one of them is different. Of all the millions, billions, trillions and gazillions of snowflakes that fall, each flake is unique. Even so, every single one of them is beautiful.
It’s that way with people, too. No two people on the Earth are exactly alike. Everybody has something that makes them who they are. Recognizing that, accepting that and celebrating that is the basis of February’s Character EssentialsSM theme – We Are Unique.
“In February, we help our children realize how they’re unique individuals with different abilities and personalities,” said Kiddie Academy’s Chief Academic Officer, Richard Peterson. The children learn about traits that support the theme. Those traits are:
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- Individuality: the qualities that make someone or something different from all others
- Creativity: the ability to develop and express ourselves and our ideas in new ways
- Talent: a special ability that allows someone to do something well
- Humor: the ability to express and understand what is funny or amusing
Building Self-Esteem and Acceptance
“Our focus is to help them develop a sense of self, build their self-esteem and encourage them to feel comfortable expressing themselves,” Peterson said.
You can extend the learning into your home by helping your child discover the special things that make him or her unique. Here are some resources from our partners at PBS Parents to help:
Helping Kids Find Their Inner Heroes
Helping Our Children Love Their Differences
If you’re looking for some good books about being unique, here are some recommended by our friends in the Kiddie Academy Education Department:
The Mixed-Up Chameleon, Eric Carle
Giraffes Can’t Dance, Giles Andreae
I Like Me!, Nancy Carlson
The Berenstain Bears and the Talent Show, Stan and Jan Berenstain
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Mo Willems
