Throughout history humans have been hunters and gathers. As humans, we collect things that become “our belongings” and make us feel like we belong.
For ex: If we collect dolls, baseball cards, or comic books, or video games, etc., and so do our friends-we ban together because we like the same thing.
We feel like we belong to a group.
Listening to all types of people collecting things, and expressing their feelings about their belongings, is a great way to build community in your classroom, and have students use public speaking skills to share!
We have provided you with a few videos to watch and a free downloadable "Collection Collage" project. New videos will be added as well as additional projects so check in often for updates.
MY BELONGINGS FEATURING ZUZANA'S DOLLS
Educators: Have students write in a notebook.
Have you or anyone in your family ever collected anything like Zuzana? Share out. How did hearing Zuzana's story make you feel?
MY BELONGINGS FEATURING LEWIS'S PUPPETs
Educators: Have the students write the story of their collection. Think of the 5 W’s and How-then write! What is the collection? Where did they get it from? When did the collecting start? Who collects the items? Why were the items collected? How are they collected?
MY BELONGINGS FEATURING STAN'S MOVIEGRAPH
As you watch and listen, think about one thing that stands out to you.
Educators: Create a bulletin board
“Our Class Collectibles-We All Belong!”
Hang all the students "Collection Collages". Get the downloadable project for free below.
Think about something you or a family member collects. Draw one item from the collection in each square in the "Collection Collage" project and explain why it is your favorite, or has a very special meaning. Share out with a partner or your class. Use your best speaking voice and have fun. We are always looking for new stories to share.
If you have a video of your collection, we may feature your collection too.
Send a link to your video to info@ToyMuseumNY.org, Subject: MY BELONGINGS
Core Standards:
All 50 States support SEL Standards:
https://www.positiveaction.net/blog/sel-standards
NY
https://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/SELBenchmarks2022.pdf
NJ
https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/wellness/selearning/docs/SELCompetencies.pdf
Literacy Standards:
Thank you to the generous support by Zuzana for helping to provide materials and support enabling teachers to bring the MY BELONGINGS educational materials to their classrooms at no charge.
Note to Educators:
Share with your students if you collect anything and how that collection makes you feel. If you do not collect anything, discuss the collection of books in your library that you have collected over the years.
We'd love to hear from you and your students.
Have fun.
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We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for helping to support our organization.