Diversity

For children to thrive in our ever-changing world, it becomes more and more important for parents, teachers and other childcare providers to help children recognize how people are alike, as well as how they are different and the guide them to learn to respect differences. Adults should encourage children to like and respect themselves for who they are-children need to feel good about their own uniqueness to grow up to be adults who accept others just as they are. The goals are to have children appreciate both themselves and others, and to recognize how we can all learn from each other.

Delve into Diversity with Arthur

Based on an activity in
Play and Learn with Arthur, Volume 1

Directions
Providing daily exposure to various cultures will enrich your children's experiences, and enable them to appreciate and share their own heritage.

1. Read and dance: Tap into the resources of your community to find books and music that you can share with your children. Read stories to your kids about contemporary children in different countries. Invite children to dance to the music of different cultures.
   
2. Learn many greetings: Read Hello! Goodbye! by Aliki. Sing the song "Hello Everybody" (below) as you teach the word for hello in several languages.

Hello everybody, yes indeed, yes indeed, yes indeed.
Hello everybody, yes indeed. Yes indeed, my darling.

Web Resources:
Mama Lisa Around the World
This site has lyrics and some audio files of children's songs and nursery rhymes from around the world.

Music from Around the World
This site for parents features print materials and activities that help parents and children explore music around the world.

Say Hello to the World
Learn how to say hello in Finnish, Cherokee, Mayan or one of more than 28 languages at this site from the Internet Public Library. You can also learn more about words in English derived from different languages and access websites that explore world languages and cultures.

Diversity Calendar
This site from the University of Kansas features a calendar for the year that highlights celebrations around the world.

Go Places
Older children can learn more about places around the world at this site from Time for Kids.

Connect the World
Learn more about world culture with this interactive matching game from Arthur.

Thumbprints: Explore One-of-a-Kindness

Based on an activity in Play and Learn with Arthur, Volume 2

Materials

• art supplies
• magnifying glass
• washable rubber stamp inkpad
• white paper

Directions
What do thumbprints, snowflakes, and kids have in common? They're unique. No two thumbprints, snowflakes, or children are alike.

1. Make a print: Help your children press their thumbs on an inkpad, and then on paper. Let them observe their thumbprints with a magnifying glass. What do they notice?
   
2. Make an animal: Invite your kids to use markers and crayons to turn thumbprints into animals. Two thumbprints side by side become a butterfly with the addition of a body, head, antennae, and spots. Other easily-made thumbprint animals are fish, ladybugs, bumblebees, frogs, mice, and spiders.

Talk About It
Talk with your children about how unique and special they are. Share books such as The Mixed-up Chameleon by Eric Carle and Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman, both of which stress the power of a positive self-image.