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Common Humanity
Ages 5 to 6Social / Awareness
What everyone shares, underneath the differences.
Let’s Experience It
Norzin looks around her classroom. She sees many different friends. They have different hair. They speak different languages at home. They eat different foods. But Norzin notices something. Everyone smiled when they got a sticker. Everyone cried when they fell down. Everyone wants to play at recess. They are all alike in some ways.
What’s Happening?
Norzin is learning about common humanity. This means we are all alike in important ways. We all share the same big feelings. We all want the same things.
Everyone has feelings. Your friends feel happy. They feel sad. They feel scared. They feel mad. Just like you. When your friend cries, they feel sad like you do when you cry. When they laugh, they feel joy like you do. We all have these same feelings inside.
Everyone wants to be happy. No one wants to feel sad or hurt. Your teacher wants to be happy. Your family wants to be happy. All the children in your class want to be happy. Even people far away want to be happy. This is true for everyone.
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Your friend spills their milk. Your teacher forgets something. Your parents make mistakes too. No one is perfect. Making mistakes is part of being human. We all understand how it feels.
We are more alike than different. We might look different. We might eat different foods. We might speak different words. But inside, we are the same. We all need love. We all need friends. We all want to feel safe.
Why It Matters
When we know we are alike, we feel connected. We are kinder to others. We know they feel just like us. This helps us care about everyone.
Knowing everyone makes mistakes helps us forgive. We understand. We have patience with others.
Try It Yourself
Same and Same:
Find a partner.
Ask what makes them happy.
Ask what makes them sad.
Tell them what makes you happy and sad.
Talk about how you are alike.
Remember
Everyone has feelings. Everyone wants to be happy.
Everyone makes mistakes.
We are more alike than different. Remember this and be kind to everyone.
Check yourself
12 questions on this topic. Nothing is saved and nothing is
sent anywhere.
These were written for the next age band up — the curriculum has no set
of its own for this age.
Do all kids - everywhere in the world - have feelings?
Every kid everywhere has feelings, just like you! This is common humanity - understanding that we're all human and we all have emotions. A kid in Tibet, Africa, or anywhere else feels happy when good things happen and sad when things are hard, just like you do!
Your friend makes a mistake and feels bad. What can you remember?
Everyone makes mistakes - kids, grown-ups, teachers, even parents! This is part of being human. When we remember that everyone makes mistakes, we can be kinder to ourselves and others. Mistakes help us learn and grow!
What does every person want?
Every person in the whole world wants to be happy, feel safe, and be loved! This is what it means to be human. Even though we look different, speak different languages, and live in different places, we all want the same important things. We're more alike than different!
Does everyone in the world want to feel safe?
Every person in the world - kids, grown-ups, people in every country - wants to feel safe! This is something all humans share. When we remember this, we can care about everyone's safety, not just our own. We're all alike in important ways!
A kid in another country speaks a different language. Can they still feel happy and sad?
Feelings are universal! A child in Tibet, America, Kenya, or anywhere feels happy, sad, scared, and excited just like you. Language is different, but feelings are the same. This is common humanity - we're all human!
Your friend gets scared during a fire drill. What can you remember?
Being scared of loud noises is normal for many people! When you remember that lots of people feel the same way, you can be kind instead of judging. This is common humanity - understanding we all have similar fears and feelings.
In Tibet, families gather to celebrate together. What do families everywhere have in common?
Families around the world love spending time together and celebrating! The food, songs, and traditions might be different, but the love and joy are the same. This shows how humans everywhere share the need for family and celebration!
You find out the new student's family eats different food than you. What's true?
Every family has their own favorite foods! What you eat depends on where your family is from and what they like. But everyone needs food. Different is interesting, not weird. We're the same in needing food, different in what we enjoy!
Does everyone need friends?
Everyone - kids and grown-ups everywhere - wants to have friends and belong! This is part of being human. We all need people who care about us. Remembering this helps us be kind to everyone, because we all need friendship!
Do grown-ups ever make mistakes?
Everyone makes mistakes - even grown-ups, teachers, and parents! This is part of being human. No one is perfect. When we remember this, we can be kinder to ourselves when we make mistakes and more understanding of others!
Why do people around the world smile when they're happy?
Smiling when happy is universal - everyone does it! Babies smile before they learn language. This shows that humans everywhere are alike in how we express feelings. Our bodies show emotions the same way around the world!
What makes you and children in other countries the same?
Children everywhere have feelings, need love, and want to play and learn! Languages, foods, and homes might be different, but these important things are the same. This is common humanity - what connects all of us as humans!
Common Humanity at other ages
The same topic, written for older and younger children. Worth a look when
you are judging how far to take it.