My Life Matters & Yours Does Too
What’s inside...
My Life Matters and Yours Does Too brings us into the life of Shani, an eight-year-old girl living in the United States. Shani sees discrimination, racism, and injustice all around her and feels very discouraged about the harshness of the world. With the support from those around her, Shani learns how to cope with the pain that she feels. Shani learns that she does matter and that skin color does not determine anyone's worth.
Discussion points
How did the characters in the story show empathy towards each other, and how can we apply that to our daily lives?
What are some ways we can show others that their lives matter?
What feelings did you experience while reading this book, and why do you think you felt that way?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel important? How did that make you feel?
Why is it important to recognize and celebrate everyone’s uniqueness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book's message to set a reflective mood.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions freely, validating their feelings as they relate them to the story.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to dive deeper into their understanding and perspective.
Relate the themes from the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, making the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Highlight the importance of empathy and inclusiveness, praising instances where your child demonstrates these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The book portrays scenarios where characters actively listen and respond thoughtfully to each other's feelings and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers, fostering a compassionate environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: Equality
Explanation: Characters from diverse backgrounds are shown having equal opportunities and are treated with respect, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone equally.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in recognizing the importance of fairness and applying equal treatment to all, regardless of differences.
Example Lesson: Courage to Stand Up
Explanation: The story includes moments where characters stand up against injustice, teaching children the importance of advocacy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to speak out against unfairness or bullying at school, promoting a safer learning environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The book shows characters working together to solve problems, highlighting the strength found in community support.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of teamwork and how collective efforts can achieve common goals, which is essential for collaborative activities at school.
Example Lesson: Self-respect
Explanation: Through positive affirmations and characters who take pride in their identities, the book teaches the importance of self-respect.
Real-World Application: Integrating self-respect into daily life empowers children to feel confident in their abilities and make positive choices.