Looking for the book topic about “Diversity” and “Cooperation” with your students?

Swimmy by Leo Lionni is a great book to introduce k-2 students to think about "Diversity" and "Cooperation".

The immigrant population keeps growing and classrooms become more diverse now than they have ever been before. As educators, it is important to teach students acceptance of individual differences and values. This book “Swimmy” introduces students to an idea of diversity and cooperation and helps them think about individual differences contributing to create something by cooperating with each other. Then book discussion with students helps them expand their thoughts about different people around them in class and beyond, and how different people cooperate and keep harmony between themselves.

Synopsis of Swimmy: Swimmy is the only black fish in his school of red fish. After a tuna attacks the school of fish leaving Swimmy on his own, Swimmy must rely on himself to find a new school of fish. Swimmy distinguishes himself as a leader with his bravery and courage.How to Implement: After you read Swimmy, talk about diversity and cooperation and ask the students about these ideas using the prompts below.

Diversity: Swimmy doesn’t look like any of the other fish. Talk to your child about the similarities and differences between Swimmy and the other fish in the story. Help your child to understand that although not everyone looks or acts the same, that we all have things we enjoy or that we are good at doing.

Cooperation: Swimmy and his new friends overcame the “big fish” by working together as a team. Explain the concept of teamwork and ask your child about the kinds of things he or she likes to do with other people. You can also use the example of completing chores together. The job is always easier when you have someone there to rely on for help.
(Synopsis and prompts (diversity and cooperation) are cited from http://www.wxxi.org/education/rtl/activities/Swimmy.pdf)

Activity ideas: Students can make Swimmy and red fishes with different materials such as ink pad or crayon. Then students form a big fish like in the book as in the lesson plan linked above. Or, students can make their own design for a fish. Let students discuss what they can create as a big sea creature using each fish, then make it. Another idea is that students can write about the original story using the character Swimmy and other sea creatures. Give students idea about how Swimmy and other creatures can cooperate and accomplish things together.

Here is an example of an adapted story of Swimmy.

Please click here to see it.