This downloadable resource will help schools, teachers, and families promote kindness, inclusion, and respect with kindergarten and Key Stage 1 children.
How to Use This Resource in Your Classroom
Here is a step-by-step guide to making the most of this song in your classroom, at home, or during Antibullying Week events:
1. Start by introducing the concept of differences. Explain that everyone is unique in how they look, think, and do things—and that’s what makes us special!
2. Sing the song as a group. The familiar tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” makes it easy for kids to pick up.Repeat the song a couple of times to help the children memorise the lyrics. You can divide the verses and have different groups sing each part to involve everyone.
3. Incorporate simple movements to engage the children. Try out these ideas:
- “Short or tall”: Crouch down for short, Reach up high for tall,
- Curly hair: Twist fingers around in circles near the head.
- Straight hair: Run fingers straight down from the top of the head.
- Long hair: Pretend to pull long hair over the shoulders.
4. After singing, have a brief discussion about what the song means. Ask open-ended questions to get the children thinking.
We Are Different, That’s Okay
(Sing to the Tune of: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
Verse 1:
We are different, that’s okay,
We are friends in every way.
Big or small, short or tall,
We can always play with all.
We are different, that’s okay,
We are friends in every way!
Verse 2:
Skin that’s light or skin that’s dark,
We all shine with different sparks,
Curly hair or straight or long,
Every voice can sing our song!
We are different, that’s okay,
We are friends in every way!
Verse 3:
Some like blue and some like red,
Some like books, and games instead.
Different things we love to do,
But I’m still a friend to you!
We are different, that’s okay,
We are friends in every way!
To make it even easier to use in your classroom, you can download and print out this resource here.
The printable verson includes colourful visuals and the song lyrics to display in the classroom or hand out to families. Perfect for use during Antibullying Week!