This document provides instructions for students to create a "diversity chain" where each student contributes 3 strips of paper listing things that make them unique and 3 things they have in common with others. It encourages students to think about differences in languages, religions, beliefs, cultures, traditions, locations, schools, jobs, hobbies and how diversity adds to the richness of humanity. The activity is meant to highlight both differences and similarities between students and celebrate diversity in the classroom.

1. Diversity Chain
SWMS Advisory Lesson

2. What’s diversity?!?
Diversity means that there are
lots of different kinds of things.
Diversity is not just about US.
There are differences in:
languages, religions
beliefs, cultural
traditions, where we
live, schools, jobs, things to do
in our spare time.
I'm sure that you can think of
lots more differences that all
add to the diversity of human
beings in our world.

3. Let’s make a diversity chain
TOGETHER!
Make sure you have 3
strips of construction
paper!

4. Let’s make a diversity chain
TOGETHER!
Now, think about 3 things that make you
UNIQUE!
These 3 things might be a
belief, characteristic, special
talent, dream for the future, or an
accomplishment!
Right them down – one idea on each strip
of paper!

5. Let’s make a diversity chain
TOGETHER!
Wait! There’s another part to this!
Think about 3 things that make you
SIMLIAR to those around you…
…and write them on the flipside of your
strips of paper!

6. Let’s make a diversity chain
TOGETHER!
Look around… is everyone finished
writing?!?
Great!!!
Now it’s time to share… go around the
room and share something about YOU
that is UNIQUE and SIMILAR to those

7. Let’s make a diversity chain
TOGETHER!
It’s time to glue, tape, or staple
your links to everyone else's to
create a diversity chain for
your classroom!!!

8. Some ideas to think about!
 Why is diversity important?!?
 Is it important to you to have your diverse
qualities valued by others?!? Why or why
not?

9. Check out this chain!
It’s off the HOOK!

11. WE are Hawks!
Soaring to
Success!

12. Reference
Oprah, D.C. (2006). Make a world of difference: 50 asset building activities to help teens
explore diversity.
Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute.