A Bead People Story
Who Am I?
A free story-based activity for your elementary-age group. One small character looks up and asks a big question. Then your kids get to answer it for themselves.
Sign up here to get your free download of the full illustrated story and a simple teacher's guide. It works for classrooms, Sunday school, homeschool tables, after-school clubs and youth groups.
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We belong to one another.
Even when the world feels uncertain, we can show children (and adults) what it means to care for one another. A kind word, an invitation to join in, or a small act of kindness can help every child feel welcome and remind us that we’re a community where everyone belongs.
A simple project that asks, Who am I?
Have fun asking important questions.
Not much prep time
You need something you can pick up on a Tuesday and use on a Wednesday.
Something for every group
Schools, churches, clubs and kitchen tables all need an activity that welcomes everyone.
What's in the free download
A story to read together, a few good questions, and a way to turn the conversation into something kids can hold in their hands.
The full story
The complete illustrated Who Am I? story, ready to read aloud or print for your group.
A teacher's guide
Simple steps, discussion questions and ideas for adapting the activity to your age group and setting.
A way into peacemaking
Kids think about who they are, notice how others are different, and talk about how we can still belong together.
Where this comes from
It started on a piece of notebook paper.
For nearly 20 years, The Bead People has been a simple peace project: people make small Bead People together and talk about how we treat one another. Around 16,000 Bead People have been made so far, in classrooms, libraries, churches, scout troops and living rooms. I am always amazed when I set a tray of beads down in front of a rambuctious room children--suddenly all attention goes into those beautiful beads. The room gets quiet. Heads come together.
Over the years I have noticed the difference between talking about creativity and just simply creating. Hosting a full Bead People project with wires and tools and beads and lots of happy chaos takes a bit or preparation. I wanted to create an easy first step into how to create peace right around us. Who Am I? is where I landed for a project you could easily take on in less than an hour.
Who Am I? is an easy first step. Read the story, ask the questions, and see where your kids take it.
20 Years in 2027 · We are Hoping to reach 20,000 Bead People carrying the message.
Bring The Bead People to your community.
In 2027 we hope to reach 20,000 Bead People. Start with one story and one conversation. Sign up for the newsletter, download Who Am I? for free, and we'll keep you posted on ways your group can join in.
Questions? Write to P. Jamie Lee at pjamielee@gmail.com
