Activity: After students listen to the video, they are guided in a discussion about the speaker, young Maryam Elassar, and her message about friendship, diversity, and inclusion. 

Materials needed: the video

Directions: Explain that students will listen to a talk given by a young girl who shares about her experience making a friend with someone very different from herself. Show the video. Guide students in a discussion about the main points of Maryam’s talk, using these questions: 

• “I’ll try to understand you if you try to understand me” - what does this mean to you and why might it be a good way to start building a bridge of friendship with another person? 
• What did Maryam do when she realized that her comments about the Mexican girl’s accent were hurtful? 
• The poem Maryam recited was about … (fill in the blank).
• When the two girls listened to each other, what was the result? 

Wrap it up: Explain: “Next time you’re in a situation where you’re with someone who is very different from you, try to follow Maryam’s advice and ask them if they’d like to share with you. Ask polite questions about their background and give them some information about yours. Follow Maryam’s example and be curious and respectful. Make a new friend! 

Note to teachers: Here’s a great resource about friendship:

30 Friendship Videos To Teach Kindness and Compassion (weareteachers.com)