Teaching Kids to Embrace Diversity

As some people may know, I am a homeschool mom. So I get the pleasure of teaching Max from a curriculum that created just for him. My time homeschooling has taught me that kids can learn anything if you take the time to teach them.

Whether you are a homeschool family or not, I believe this simple list of things can be done in your home so you can teach your children to not just tolerate the differences of others, but embrace them.

Things To Do At Home:

1. Celebrate cultural history months: Use these cultural months to learn about the works and accomplishments of the group of people. Take time to participate in planned activities that celebrate the cultures of others. Your library is a great resource for this.

2. Explore diversity in books: Take time to read and learn from books that embrace diversity! Spend time talking about what messages were discussed in those books.

3. Have open discussions: Spend time listening to what your children have to say about current events. Answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner.

4. Be an ally: Let your children see you doing your part.

5. Educate yourself: Be aware that some topics may be new to you so it never hurts to educate yourself and learn with your child.

I have also included a list of our favorite books. Each of these books includes important lessons that can be discussed in your home and passed to your child(ren). I highly recommend checking these out online or at your local library. You can even check Pinterest to find activities that correspond to some of these books.

The List:

Other Cultures:

The First Strawberries, J. Bruchac

Fry Bread, K. N. Maillard

Bilal Cooks Daal, Aisha Saeed

The Proudest Blue, Ibtihaj Muhammad

People with Disabilities:

Just Ask, Sonia Sotomayor

We're All Wonders, R. J. Palacio

World Issues:

Those Shoes, Maribeth Boelts

Last Stop on Market Street, Matt de la Peña

Water Protectors, Carole Lindstrom

Race, Hair, & Skin:

Black, White, Just Right!, M. David

Bedtime Bonnet, Nancy Redd

Hair Love, M. A. Cherry

Sulwe, Lupita Nyong'o

Little Leaders, Vashti Harrison

Cool Cuts, Mechal Roe

The Skin You Live In, M. Tyler

Hey, Black Child, Useni E. Perkins

Magnificent Homespun Brown, S. C. Doyon

LBGT+:

Heather Has Two Mommies, L. Newmann

Stella Brings the Family, M. B. Schiffer

I Am Jazz, J. Herthel

Strong Women:

Little Leaders, Vashti Harrison

She Persisted, Chelsea Clinton

I hope this list is helpful and your family can enjoy these books as much as Max! I may continue to add to this list, as we find more diverse books that we love.

Until Next Time,

Cherisse