Celebrating diversity in your classroom should be encouraged from an early age! An inclusive environment is important for children. It helps to build positive identities, develops a sense of belonging and helps children realise their full potential.
Celebrating diversity allows children to understand and explore what differences they may see around them but also in themselves. These differences should be celebrated and ultimately children should be encouraged to recognise and appreciate people for the things that make them unique and special.
People are different in many ways, including race or ethnicity, age, language, culture, appearance, disabilities or religion. Early Years Services can expand children's awareness of difference through items such as books, songs and play materials. In addition, services can introduce the children to both local people and to people from around the world.
Celebrating Diversity at The Early Years Shop!
At the Early Years Shop we have some great products to help you to celebrate diversity within your classroom! The Diversity Curriculum Plan: Celebrating Difference includes activities for children to explore their own ideas and games around this area. In addition, each activity is labeled with relevant Aistear themes, aims and goals and Síolta Standards.
The Friends Together Journal can be used to capture the inclusive learning experiences that happen within your classroom. The journal includes a world map you can use to identify where children and families come from across the globe. You can highlight the areas with stickers if you wish. The blank pages can be used to document the activities that take place within your setting.
The Downloadable Diversity Poster Pack includes 13 posters with eye-catching pictures and famous quotes from well known child advocates. Quotes include words from figures such as Maria Montessori, Mahatma Gandhi, Kofi Annan and Dr.Seuss! These quotes were carefully selected as they support achievement, family, tolerance, values and diversity. Download the posters, print them, cut them to size and hang them throughout your service just like our pictures show!
Celebrating Diversity - Watch Ian's Story!
The below video may work well as an introduction to diversity to the children in your class. The video is based on the true story of Ian, a young boy with a disability who is determined to play at the playground. The video aims to show that children with disabilities can and should be included. It shows a young boy struggling to access something that he really wants – a playground. Something that other children he is in school with have easy access to!
The makers of the film worked hard to ensure that the video was very honest and simple so that it could be understood by everyone, from preschool-aged children to adults! A comprehensive guide to diversity & equality education can be sourced through the Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter & Guidelines for Early Childhood Care & Education.
