One thing I love about children is their innocence, they don’t see the world like we do, not quite yet anyway. While they notice differences, they do not use them to define or categorise things. As they get older however, the differences they see are brought to light, while this innocence is shadowed. Sometimes, when good examples are set, children learn to appreciate the differences they see and they love the diverse world they find themselves in. If this is not the case however, the child either makes fun of those who are different, or suffers from low self-esteem for being different him or herself.
It is up to us as teachers and parents to raise generations that embrace diversity and rejoice at being different, seeing it as a key feature instead of a burden. First and foremost, we need to set the correct example, this means that we need to acknowledge and appreciate the differences of those around us. As an adult, you need to watch what you say, or how you say it.
Go out of your way to introduce culture, colour and tradition to your children. Give them the opportunity to learn about people from different countries and ethnicities. Most of the time people tend to negatively react towards differences because they are in fact just ignorant.
As a teacher, or even as a parent at home, you could do this little activity with the kids, to give them insight into diversity and what it does and does not mean.
All you need is:
- two eggs, each one with a different coloured shell, or you could decorate them to look different;
- and a plate or tray.
Sit around the eggs and have a quick chat about them. Do the look the same on the outside? What makes them unique? Ask the students if they thing they will look the same on the inside.
At this point you can crack the eggs open. The kids will find that all of the eggs release the same yellow yolk. Use this as an example to explain that us as humans are all wired the same on the inside, we all have feelings, emotions, ideas and thoughts – which we need to respect in one another.
Other methods you could use to teach diversity:
- Discuss differences when you are walking through the mall. When you see someone in a wheelchair, using sign language or wearing their hair differently. Mention positive things that you like about the people you see.
- Have a meal at a restaurant that serves ethnic food, different to what you are accustomed to.
- Attend cultural event.
- Read books that discuss different cultures, languages, traditions and customs etc.
Source link: https://web.kidsactivitiesblog.com/23747/what-is-diversity
How do you teach diversity to your children?
As a parent, I really do want my child to grow up in a world where uniqueness is celebrated, where one strives to be different, or at the very least, appreciates the beauty in difference. For the sake of your children an mine, "let's get together and be alright"!
