Introduction:
In the Maya & Miguel episode “I’ve Got to Be Mi-guel,” Tito yearns to be just like his older cousin, Miguel. But Tito discovers it’s his differences from Miguel, as well as his similarities, that make him special.

What is it that makes people similar and different? In this activity, your children will discuss ways in which people are both different from and similar to each other. They will learn to celebrate individual differences.

Because this activity involves charting differences and similarities between several children, it is best done with a group.

Materials:

• chart paper
• an assortment of magic markers
• a big map of the world
• colored pins

Directions:
Make two separate charts or lists -- one comparing the differences between members of the group and one listing similarities.

Introduce your children to the word “diversity.” Explain to your children that you will be exploring the group’s diversity -- ways that they are different from each other, as well as the ways in which they are similar. The group will answer three questions and then discuss the results:

• Question 1: Ask your children what special foods their families eat at home. Note their answers on the respective charts tracking differences and similarities. Encourage your children to describe any foods that are unfamiliar to others in the group.
• Question 2: Ask your children what their favorite family activity is. Record these answers, as well, on the corresponding chart. Encourage the children to describe their favorite activities in detail.
• Question 3: Ask your children where their families originated from, and record their answers on the corresponding chart.
• Optional:After discussing the answers to all three questions, position the colored pins on the countries of the world map that reflect the group’s individual origins. Invite the children to share what they know about each country that is represented. Remind children of the wealth of cultural resources they share as a group.

Talk About It: Ask your children to share thoughts about the two charts. What do they notice about their differences and similarities? Which affects the group more -- their differences or their similarities? Why? Invite your children to discuss what life would be like if everyone were completely the same, or if everyone were completely different. Ask your children to suggest other similarities and differences between members of this group.

Take It Further:

• Invite your children to decorate “About Me” flags.  The flags should reflect each individual child -- his or her own likes and dislikes, family traditions, and heritage. Display the flags when they are completed. (Materials for this extension activity should include a cut-out paper flag for each child, sticks for the flags, multicolored stickers, construction paper in assorted colors, sparkles, glitter, old magazines, scissors, and glue.) To see an online version of this activity, you can check out /pbskids2008//buster/games/flag/flaggame.html.
• You may also wish to compare the two charts mathematically. How many similarities are there? How many differences? Record the figures.
• Encourage each child to take a turn teaching the group something from their cultural heritage, be it a song, a dance, or a poem.

For Home: Here are some suggestions for modifying this activity for home: Create a chart of differences and similarities between members of the family. Answer the following questions:

• Question 1: What are your two favorite foods that we eat?
• Question 2: What is your favorite family activity?
• Question 3: What interests you most about the country(ies) our ancestors came from?

Talk About It: Discuss your answers together. Find the differences and similarities. Discuss how your family might explore and celebrate its origins further.