I Learn From My Friends

Activity Overview

Metacognition helps children be reflective and thoughtful about their learning process. Whether we realize it or not, young learners are thinking about their own thinking everyday. When a child reflects on why their block building fell collapsed, how far they kicked a ball, or what happened when they mixed different colors of paint they are constantly revisiting past learnings, contextualizing them to their current space, and applying them in new ways. This activity asks students to not only think about their own learning, but also make the connection between who has given them space and opportunity to learn new skills.

What You Need

• A device to view My Friends by Taro Gomi

• My Friends Pictures Template printed out or drawn on paper

• Crayons or markers

Steps

1. Read the book My Friends by Taro Gomi.

2. After reading the book, engage in a discussion using the guiding questions.

3. Using the My Friends Pictures Template, guide your student in drawing pictures and writing sentences for three skills they have learned to do from their friends. Keep in mind their friends can be grownups, siblings, other family members, animals, or other people in the community. Start by drawing one picture and work up to three pictures if interested and able.

Guiding Questions

• What have you learned to do? Who did you learn that from?

• Have you learned how to [swim, throw a ball, brush your teeth, put your clothes on, speak another language]? Who helped you learn that skill?

Extensions

• Shift the discussion to how your student may have taught others to do things. Guide with these questions:

  • Have you taught someone to do something?

  • What did you teach them?