In this activity, children will look at what makes a person valuable. They will compare their own values and needs with what the media/society deems important, flashy and sellable.
The activity begins enticingly: students will create the IDEAL superstar. Using paper, crayons, markers, magazines, etc, students in small groups will brainstorm all of the best attributes in making a celebrity. You can expect your students to emphasize good looks, fashion, singing/dancing ability, fitness, money, etc. Let their imaginations run wild. It is your choice whether your students simply brainstorm with words/images or they draw the celebrity him/herself (perhaps they draw a magazine cover).
Then, the students are given a new task: create the IDEAL best friend. Using the same materials, students in the same small groups will brainstorm all of the best attributes of a best friend. The intention is to focus on internal values, so it may be up to you to focus the discussion. Some topics/values may include: trustworthy, funny, kind, caring, fun, sharing, etc. Again, students may simply brainstorm OR draw the best friend him/herself.
To end the activity, lead a short discussion (or, perhaps, ask these questions throughout the activity):
- What values are mainly about the kind of person someone is?
- What person has more of these values: the superstar or the best friend?
- What made you choose the values/attributes that you did for the superstar?…the best friend?
- What is the difference between beauty on the inside and beauty on the outside? Which is more important? Which can you see in a magazine?
- Who would you prefer to have in your life?
- Any questions you deem important.
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