Apples Inside, and The Sassafras; Same and Different 1

Apples Inside
Buy three different color apples, such as red, green, and yellow, (the closer in size, the better).  Ask your child/children what is different about the apples, getting to the fact that the skins of the apple are different colors.


Then, explain that there is something wonderful and the same about the apples.  The apples are alike!  Take a knife and cut a large slice out of each apples.  Show the apples to the class explaining; The apples are all alike inside.  The skin on the outside is one color, but on the inside the apples are the same.


People are like the apples.  People have different skin colors on the outside.  But, on the inside we are alike.  Have your child/children brainstorm on all the ways that make people alike, (we have feelings, we bleed the same color blood, we need air...).


Same and Different (The Sassafras)
When children understand how we are all far more alike than different, it helps to promote harmony with their peers.  Read the story, then follow the directions for the art project.  Optional; brainstorm how we as people, are similar, (Need shelter, food, water, air, love...). 

The Sassafras Story: (Scroll down to the bottom.  Print out a copy of the leaf patterns.  To make a master, you will need to greatly enlarge the leaves.  All three leaves just fit one 8x11 sheet of paper).                          

Three different shapes of leaves; one that looks oblong, one that looks like a mitten, and one that has three lobes.  What kind of trees do you think these leaves grow on? 

What if I told you that they all grow on the same kind of tree!!  Only one type of tree!  It is amazing that there is only one tree out of HUNDREDS of different types of trees, that has more than one type of leaf growing on its branches.  This tree is called the Sassafras Tree.

The leaves are the same because they are all leaves, but the leaves are different since they are different shapes.  And, in the fall the leaves turn from vibrant green, to beautiful colors of red, orange, yellow and purple.  The leaves are the same because they are all leaves, but the leaves are different since they are different shapes. 

The sassafras tree is like you and me.  We are all people, we need air, food and water to live.  Some days we feel happy and laugh, and other days we feel sad and cry.  And, just like the leaves of a Sassafras Tree, we all come in different shapes, sizes and colors.  Even so, we are far more like each other, than different.  The leaves of this tree grow side by side in harmony; they are the same and a little bit different.  So, remember that we grow up side by side and can choose to walk in harmony.  We can get along with each other if we try.  After all, we are all far more alike, than different.

(Note: Sassafras trees are found in Eastern North America, from southernmost Ontario, Canada, through the eastern United States south to central Florida and west to southern Iowa and eastern Texas…)

Art Activity: Sassafras Tree

Make copies of the leaf patterns below.  Lighten and enlarge the leaves to make a master; the 3 leaves together just fit an 8 x 11 piece of xerox paper, (if you would like a copy of my full size master, e-mail me at, lorindacharactereducation@gmail.com, and I'll e-mail them back to you).  Make copies of leaves and Cut out.  Draw the outline of a tree on butcher paper, or the backside of wrapping paper.  Have each child pick a leaf or leaves to color.  They can choose one or more of the colors to decorate their leaf or leaves; green, red, orange, yellow, and/or purple.  Glue the individual decorated leaves on the tree.  On the tree trunk write, "We are more alike, than different."  Remind everyone that we are all the same since we are all people and need air to live..., but we are a little different since we come in different sizes, colors...