Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different!
Through an inviting point-of-view and colorful, vivid illustrations, this story shows how two boys living oceans apart can be the best of friends.
Discussion Questions
Before Reading:
- What does it mean to be the same as someone? What does it mean to be different?
- Do you think people who live far away from each other can still have things in common? Why or why not?
- How can being different be a good thing?
- What are some ways we can show kindness to someone we don’t know very well?
After Reading:
- What did Elliot learn from being a penpal?
- Why did Kailash think Elliot lived in a tree?
- How are you the same/different from Kailash?
- How are you the same/different from Elliot?
- Where do you think Kailash lives?
- What else do you think Elliot and Kailash have in common?
- Why do you think Elliot and Kailash’s teachers wanted them to write to children in another country?
- Can you think of a time you met someone who was different from you? How did you treat them?
- What is one kind thing you could do for someone who is new or different?
Activities
- Watch this video and learn how to say hello in different languages.
- Learn how to say hello in American Sign Language here
- Write a letter to a friend or family member who lives far away
- Participate in a compliment circle.
- Everyone sits in a circle and shares one kind observation about a peer.
- “I like how you…”
- “You’re good at….”
- “You make people feel….”
Excelente lectura