Diversity Train
Here is a great classroom project in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Have each student make and decorate their own train car which includes a picture of their family in the window. Connect each train car using Fuzzy Sticks and display in classroom. The train represents how children in one class all come from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, yet they are all part of the same train. Make sure the teacher makes an engine version to pull all the cars!
Step 1. Gather your supplies.
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| Step 2. Lay (3) Jumbo Craft Sticks side by side. Using craft glue, attach (2) Mini Craft Sticks across the jumbo craft sticks as shown. This will hold them together. |
| Step 3. Cut a piece of white card stock 4 x 3 inches. Run some craft glue along one long edge of the card stock and glue to the back of the craft sticks as shown. |
| Step 4. Create a frame around the card stock piece using (2) Mini Craft Sticks the left and right sides of the card stock, then add a regular craft stick along the top edge of the card stock. |
| Step 5. Apply craft glue along the rim of (2) recycled bottle caps and attach to the train car to create the wheels. |
| Step 6. Paint the train car and allow to dry. |
| Step 7. Cut a small piece of a Fuzzy Stick and twist to create a loop. |
| Step 8. Repeat to create (2) loops and attach to both sides of the train car. |
| Step 9. Add a picture of your family or drawing that you think represents your family's heritage in the window. |
| Step 10. Once dry, display the train cars side by side to showcase the train of diversity in your classroom or group. Further Discussion: Use this project as a starting point for a conversation about diversity, how are we different? How are we all the same? What makes us all unique? Tie the conversation back to Dr. King's mission and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. |
