Inclusion, Resilience, and Celebrating Diversity - Lila and the Crow
Early in the year, while establishing behaviour expectations, I emphasize inclusion. An excellent book to support that expectation is Lila the Crow, written and beautifully illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard.
“Lila has just moved to town and can’t wait to make friends. But at school, a boy mocks her dark hair, skin and eyes. He calls her Crow.”
The story is easily relate-able to all students and its message is universal and uplifting. There are so many learning opportunities with this book!
When I’ve used this book, I like to have students share what makes them different from everyone else. I like to highlight positive attributes and I let children volunteer. One 7-year-old girl who relishes in being different, quickly volunteered, “I love death metal. Mrs. Hudson, what’s your favourite death metal band?”
With this story, students can describe connections, tell how they would help Lila, and discuss steps in solving a social problem.
In the unit I created based on this book, I include activities covering the learning opportunities previously mentioned, as well as universal reading strategies activities like: describing beginning middle and end, identifying the problem, solution and meaning.
My favourite activity I have students do is write and draw their connection to the story on a crow outline (provided in the unit) and I create a display in the hallway with the crows perched on a tree. The unit supporting this book is available at my TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Infusing-Indigenous-Literature
