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Preschool-Age 6

PreK-K: Innovation - Collaborate

• Express my ideas.
• Listen to the ideas of others.

PreK-K: Innovation - Design

• Create something new to share my ideas.

1 class period of 30-50 minutes

This lesson was created by Hope Hunter from Lucy Wortham James Elementary School. 

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Whether you are learning to skate, baking a cake, or even making a mistake, this hilarious and heartfelt rhyming book reminds us that trying our best is a reason to celebrate. From children trying to master new skills to adults who had a hard week at work, we all get overwhelmed sometimes and need reassurance. And who better to offer it than a chicken exclaiming: “WOO HOO! YOU’RE DOING GREAT!”

Handheld mirrors

Activity 1:   “Would You Rather” Cards printed, laminated and cut apart

Activity 2:   colored beads (separated), pipe cleaners, cards with statements connected to colors

Objectives

• Students will be able to express their ideas and listen to the ideas of others. 
• Students will be able to create something new to share their ideas. 

 Can Statements

Activity 1: 

• I can express my ideas.
• I can listen to the ideas of others. 

Activity 2:  

• I can create something new to share my ideas. 

Introduction

Tell students: "Today we will practice expressing our ideas and listening to the ideas of others. We will also create something to share our ideas."

• Pass out hand mirrors to each student and ask them to look at themselves and think quietly for a few seconds about something they’ve accomplished.
• Define "accomplishment" if needed and give examples like learning to tie shoes, completing a puzzle, or helping a friend.
• Share your own accomplishment and encourage students to turn to a partner and share theirs.
• Introduce the story and read it aloud, telling students to listen for when the main character, chicken, discovers a new way to learn.

After Reading

• Ask students: "What new way did chicken find to learn?"
• Encourage students to think about how trying something new helped chicken accomplish a goal.
• Ask: "Did chicken give up when things got hard, or did chicken keep trying?"
• Relate the story back to the students’ own accomplishments: "Just like chicken, what’s something you’ve kept trying at, even when it was difficult?"
• Encourage students to express or share their ideas about the story and to listen to others express their ideas. 

Activities

Activity 1:  Would You Rather?

• Game Instructions:
  • Read a Would You Rather? card aloud and give students two choices.
  • Have students stand on either side of the storytime rug or designated areas based on their choice.
• Encourage Sharing:
  • After students have chosen, ask a few to explain why they made their choice.  

Activity 2:   Affirmation Bracelets

• Bracelet Creation: Prior to the lesson, assign an affirmation to each bracelet.

1. Provide each student with a pipe cleaner and colored beads (separated by color) at each table. Explain the affirmations associated with the different colored beads. Ensure that students know what each color represents.
2. Encourage students to choose beads that represent their strengths and accomplishments to create their own affirmation bracelet to express their ideas. 
3. Variation Option: Pair students to make affirmation bracelets for each other, focusing on positive traits they see in their partner.