Content Focus: Read aloud with discussion

Language Focus: speaking, listening, reading

Vocabulary Focus: circles

Standards: n/a

Arts Integration: bracelet making

Lesson Objectives: Build a sense of classroom family

Activities: Have students make either braided friendship/class family bracelet, possibly with a charm OR a bracelet with pony beads and elastic string.

Engagement/Introduction: On one of the first days of school, read students the book The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague. Discuss the different circles we have all around us. For example, we have a family circle, an extended family circle, a friend circle… Explain to students that they now have a classroom circle as well and that we want to make sure everyone in their classroom circle feels like part of the circle/class family. Ask students if they know what friendship bracelets are and show them an example if they don’t know. Exchanging friendship bracelets was popular at Taylor Swift concerts during 2023 so students may have heard about that. Ask students what shape friendship bracelets are (circles) to help them make a connection between the book and the bracelets.

Assessment Procedure: n/a

Materials: The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague, tape, scissors, embroidery thread OR elastic string, pony beads, bowls to hold beads, charms (optional)

Modifications: Keep in mind, younger students will probably need help learning how to braid and many students will probably need help tying a knot at the end of their bracelet. If using beads, give students a bowl or other container to contain their beads. Put tape on one end of the string so the beads do not fall off. Consider what colors or charms you’d like students to use. Maybe you want them to use your school colors or a charm with the same animal as your school mascot. Consider making a few extra bracelets for other teachers that support in your room or students that join your class later in the year.

Supporting Documents: Lesson Plan

Contact: Madeline Knoblock