I See Your Skin, but That Is Not All I See!
What’s inside...
I See Your Skin, But That Is Not All I See! is a touching story about a young girl named Serenity who teaches us the true meaning of friendship and courage. The book is designed to facilitate discussions on racism and other relevant societal issues with young people. Through the friendship of two girls of different colors, the narrative demonstrates that true friendship transcends skin color. This book includes discussion questions, suggested learning activities, and a poem, making it an ideal gift for educators and caregivers. It encourages open, honest conversations and promotes new perspectives on how we view the world and each other. An inspiring quote from the book by Tiffany Sullivan reads, 'My skin color makes me beautiful and part of what makes me brilliantly me, so to say you do not see the color of my skin you're saying you do not see me. The true brilliance is when you see my skin, and still choose to get to know me for me.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What makes you unique from others, and why do you think that's special?
How does it feel when someone understands you beyond just what you look like?
Can you think of a time when you got to know someone better by learning about their interests and not just by their appearance?
Why do you think it's important to see people for who they are on the inside?
How can we show others that we appreciate them for their personalities and not just their looks?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences related to discrimination or initial perceptions based on appearance. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts openly without judgment. Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how understanding different perspectives can lead to richer friendships and greater community harmony. Reinforce the messages from the book by appreciating the diversity in your own community or family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story demonstrates how children of various skin colors play and learn together, showing that skin color does not determine one's abilities or worth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and accept differences among their peers, leading to more inclusive playtimes and friendships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through characters experiencing and discussing their feelings about being treated differently due to their appearance, the book teaches empathy by putting the reader in someone else's shoes.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more considerate and understanding when they encounter someone who might look or feel different from them.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: The narrative includes moments where characters learn to love and accept their unique features, despite external opinions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value themselves and boosts their self-esteem, helping them to be more confident in their skin.
Example Lesson: The Value of Open Dialogue
Explanation: Characters in the book openly discuss their feelings and experiences about skin color, which demonstrates the importance of communication.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of talking about their feelings and experiences, aiding their emotional development and ability to express themselves.