Activities Fostering an Appreciation of Other Cultures in Elementary and Middle-school Students

My last blog discussed activity ideas for helping young children become comfortable with racial diversity. Here are some ideas for teachers of elementary and middle school students: –Make sure they know the science of skin color. A good book is All the Colors We Are: The story of How We Get Our Skin Color. This is a bilingual (English/Spanish) book with photographs and simple explanations. –I like to follow or precede a discussion of the science of skin color with an artistic or aesthetic look at the beauty of different skin colors. I like All the Colors of the Earth, … Continue reading

Activities to Prevent Stereotypes in Young Children

My blog Combatting Stereotypes in Children: Part One discussed how children’s racial attitudes are largely formed by age nine. This blog largely focused on providing young children with an environment celebrating diversity via multiracial dolls, posters, food and clothing, music, etc. Combatting Stereotypes in Children: Part Two shared books and films that can help children in preschool, elementary school or secondary school appreciate the experiences of immigrants and people of different races. This blog will present some ideas for activities to help a group of young children—whether a preschool or kindergarten class, a homeschool group, a group of adoptive families, … Continue reading

When a Child Makes a Racist Taunt To Another Child

No matter how much we read about adoption, there is a tremendous tendency to believe that your own kids are not getting questions or comments about race or adoption. The last few blogs have talked about helping to avoid stereotypes in children by having diverse books, dolls, and posters in their environment, and by specific actions and discussions to help kids develop empathy and learn about the contributions people of various races have made and are making to our society. Now I will mention some suggestions for a time when a child actually says or hears a racist comment or … Continue reading