| Diversity |
As a child care provider, children may ask various questions about differences between each other. Some suggestions are listed below for providers to help children understand these differences. Discuss the similarities of being different Children do not judge based on the differences of others unless they are taught prejudice. Children ask questions out of curiousity. Remind children that each person has the same similarity: we are all different. Discussing these differences will help children to understand that everyone is different, including themselves. Learn by science Science can help to explain the differences in skin color. Teach in a method comprehendable for children. For example, explain what melanin is and the varying colors caused by more or less melanin. Also, explaining that the sun can effect the color of one's skin is another idea. Children accept that the sun is part of nature and they are probably familiar with sunscreen and the look of a tan or sunburn. Create Activities Involve children in activities to help answer their own questions. Here are some examples:
Involve Parents Work with parents to give children a better understanding of what their skin color means. Notify parents about the activities you will be working on with the children. Encourage parents to speak about their heritage. Resources Black is Brown is Tan by Arnold Adoff; Harper & Row, Inc., 1973 Family Child Caring, Redleaf Press, Spring 1998.
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