Tapestry of Faith: Windows and Mirrors: A Program about Diversity for Grades 4-5

Activity 2: Story - Charles Darwin

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Read the story and prepare to share it with the group.
  • Review the discussion questions and choose those that will best help the children share their interpretations of the story and relate it to their own lives.

Description of Activity

Read or tell the story to the group.

After the story, invite the group to be silent for a moment to think about the story.

Begin a discussion by asking the children to recap the story in their own words. What they recall indicates what they found most meaningful or memorable. You may say:

Charles Darwin resisted his father's pressure to become a medical doctor. Looking inward, he followed his true self. His love of nature led him to observations that were truly his own. He made an impact on the world, and his theory of evolution changed the way people see themselves.

Lead a discussion using these questions:

  • In what ways is each of us like Charles Darwin?
  • How do your interests make you different and unique?
  • What makes up your true inner self?
  • Have you ever wanted to follow your own thoughts about something, but could not because your parents think differently? (Example: A child may oppose eating meat for ethical reasons, but parents may insist they eat meat because they feel the protein in meat is important to the child's health.)