We are different, we are the same: Teaching young children ...

1 Activities The Basics for Caring for children In Your Home We are different , we are the same: Teaching young children about diversity Diversity activities teach young children to religion, language, traditions, and gender can be respect and celebrate the differences in all people. introduced this way. Learning about different cultural aspects offers When do children notice differences between people? new experiences for children . It also helps them At about age 2 years, children begin to notice gender realize that we're all humans, despite differences in and racial differences.

2 At 2 or so, children learn how we look or dress, or what we eat or celebrate. gender labels (boy/girl) and the name of colors . Games and activities offer a fun way for young which they begin to apply to skin color. Around 3 years children to learn about differences and similarities of age, children notice physical disabilities. At about among people and to introduce the concept of 4-5 years, they start to display gender appropriate diversity. All types of differences such as race, behavior and become fearful of differences. Activities that can help children learn about and appreciate differences: Skin color Hair, hair Diversity bingo match-ups everywhere helps children learn about other helps children learn about cultures from around the world.

3 Helps children learn about different skin tones and different hair types related to What you need: ethnic backgrounds. ethnic groups. bingo cards with images that What you need: relate to a specific culture and What you need: a large set of picture cards with nylon knee high stockings in photographs of different the same images as those on the various shades such as tan, black, hairstyles, types, and hair care bingo cards. Some ideas might white, pink, yellow, and red products be an Indian sari, chopsticks, or a What you do: sombrero. What you do: Encourage children to try the Ask children to identify the What you do: nylons on their hands, arms, different types of hair by talking In each square of the bingo card, or feet.

4 Ask questions to help about hair texture and curl. For place an image of something from children increase their awareness example, some people have fine, a specific culture. To play, hold up of skin color: Can you find a thin hair while others have thick, one of the large set of pictures;. stocking that is the same color coarse hair. Some people have tell the children (or ask them). as your skin? Have children try straight hair and some people what the picture is and what another color and ask them, Is have curly hair. Talk about how culture it comes from.

5 Students this lighter or darker than your people have different hair colors, who get five across, down, or own skin color? lengths, and styles. Discuss how diagonally win. to care for different types of hair and which types of hair care products children use. Take photos of each child's hair and make a collage of different hairstyles. 15 6. Diversity dress up incorporates diversity into dramatic play to help Reading Spot Light children learn about different cultures. The Sneeches by Dr. Seuss. What you need: clothing for various cultures (examples: yarmulke, In this story the star-belly and plain-belly a Jewish head cover; Burka, a garment worn Sneeches learn that neither type is superior by Muslim women).

6 Start with clothing that is reflective of the various cultures in your program, and that they are able to get along and then expand to other cultures that the children may become friends. be aware of through the media or travel. What you do: The Color of Us by Karen Katz. Have children try on the various items of clothing This story explores how everyone in the and discuss the culture that wears each one and why/how that style of clothing was created. Place neighborhood is a different shade of brown . the items in the dramatic play area so that children from peanut butter to chocolate and does a can wear the clothing as part of their play scenarios.

7 Great job of subtly explaining that people are Music for everyone all different shades of the same color. demonstrates the importance of music to many Why Am I different by Norma Simon. different cultures. What you need: This book outlines the variety of ways people audio recordings of music including those from a can be different from each other including variety of cultures and featuring different types hair color, size, language, and family. of instruments, and pictures of various musical instruments It's OK to be different by Todd Parr.

8 What you do: The author explores sensitive issues such as Ask each student to bring in a CD of music from their family of origin. Explain about each culture adoption and unusual things such as eating and how music plays a role in their cultures and macaroni in the bathtub, but manages to celebrating traditions. Talk about what instruments are used. Add similar CDs to your music library and explore diversity in all forms. use them in daily music activities. Resources and References: Public Broadcasting Sysyem. Diversity in the Classroom. Precious children .

9 Preciouschildren/diversity/. Biles, Barbara. Activities that promote racial and cultural awareness. In Family Child Care Connections . edited by C. M. Todd 4(3): 4. Urbana-Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, 1994. Retrieved September 2012. This publication is available in alternative media on request. Claudia C. Mincemoyer, , Better Kid Care Program Director Visit Penn State E15tension on the web: 341 North Science Park Road Suite 208, State College, PA 16803. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, Phone: 1-800-452-9108 Web site: and the diversity of its work force.

10 Supported by funds from the Office of Child Development and Copyright 2013 The Pennsylvania State University Early Learning, a joint office of the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Public Welfare.