# data[].attributes.headline
A Family is a family is a family- Anchor Text 

# data[].attributes.subject
A Family is a family is a family- Anchor Text 

# data[].attributes.body
A Family is a family is a family is a book that explores the students answers to the question "What is a family?" Each page is a different students answer, and they all have very different answer that is also very similar in some way. This is a picture book that can be read to young children, specifically kindergarten, to help introduce them to the different family types that they will see. This could also be an interactive book in a way because after we read the book as a class and get ideas of all the different family types, we can then go around the room and all answer the question "What is a family?" with our own answer. This is a very important text dealing with Diverse Families in kindergarten because it helps students recognize all the different family types there are. This is important so that the students can connect with and respect everyones family types.

OLeary, S., & Leng, Q. (2018). A family is a family is a family. Toronto: Groundwood Books.

# data[].attributes.body
Missing Mommy is a book that is about a little boy who struggles with his emotions after his mother has passed away. This is a picture book that could be read to Kindergarteners to add onto their knowledge and understanding of different families. Some students and kids that young may not understand why someone only has one parent, and this can help give them an idea of why. It is also a very sensitive topic so some students who have lost a parent may not want to explain it to the other students. The book describes how the child feels guilty, angry, and sad and how his dad (who is now a single parent) helps him explore these feelings.

Cobb, R. (2013). Missing mommy. New York: Henry Holt.

# data[].attributes.body
Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama is a Children's Picture Book that describes a family who practices two different religions. This book could be read to Kindergarten so that they are introduced to the different Holidays that their classmates can celebrate, and how families sometimes celebrate more than one. The book gives examples of what the family does for each religion, so it can also allow students to learn about different holidays in different religions. This is important because it teaches students to respect and try to understand all religions. Students will see a lot of students who practice different religions throughout their education.

Alko , S. (2012). Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama . New York, NY: Alfred A. Knof.

# data[].attributes.body
One Family is a short, easy picture book that has a deeper meaning of how everyone and everything could be different, but it is still a family. One example was "One is five. One bunch of bananas. One hand of cards. One family." It is saying a bunch of bananas and a hand of cards are completely different, but they are still a family. It is a simple book to read, but it would be a good book to read to young students and to show them the illustrations. The illustrations show a bunch of examples of diverse families. It also helps them realize no matter how many members you have in your family, and even if it is totally nontraditional and different from others, it is still a family.

Shannon, G., & Gómez Blanca. (2015). One family. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux.

# data[].attributes.body
Islandborn is a book about a young girl names Lola. One day in school her teacher told the class to draw a picture of the country they and their family are originally from, but Lola got sad because she didn't remember much and everyone else remembered there's. She got ideas from all of the people in her family and neighborhood which helped her realize that the island was her, even if she didn't remember. It was a part of her just like everyone else's countries were a part of them. The book also mentions how everyone is from somewhere different so reading this book would help students understand that everyone has their own background and is from somewhere different.

Díaz Junot. (2019). Islandborn. Solon, OH: Findaway World, LLC.

# data[].attributes.headline
Single Parenting: Tips for Explaining Separate Homes to Children

# data[].attributes.subject
Single Parenting: Tips for Explaining Separate Homes to Children

# data[].attributes.body
This is a blog post by someone who has a child with someone who she is now divorced too. She wrote these tips because it is hard for children and a weird transition when their parents divorce. She gave 7 tips for newly single moms/dads on how to deal with the new change with their child. This article would be a good thing to bring into the classroom because it is likely that someone in the class has divorced parents and are struggling themselves, so they don't feel as alone. It would also be resourceful for the students who do not know about single parents or are new to the idea. It could help bring students at ease and also help inform and educate other students to the different family types they may encounter.

Single Parenting: Tips for Explaining Separate Homes to Children. (2014, May 20). Retrieved from https://blogs.brighthorizons.com/familyroom/single-parenting-tips-for-explaining-separate-homes-to-children/.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I knew it would happen sooner or later, questions from my daughter about why she lives in two separate houses. "Why do you have a house and Daddy has another house?" "My friend at school lives with her Mommy AND Daddy," or "Don't you love Daddy?" Ahhh...where to begin?

I started by simply telling the truth: "Your Daddy and I love you very much, but we realized that we are better friends by living separate." I then explained how lucky my daughter is that she has not one, but TWO bedrooms - two big bedrooms full of toys, clothes, shoes, dolls, arts and crafts materials. You name it, I bet she has it somewhere! Here are some other things that have worked for us in helping her to understand the separation and living situation.

Tips for Explaining Separate Homes to Children

1. Don't lie! Just because kids don't always know how to verbally express what's going on, children understand a lot more than we think they do. We read the book Two Homes by Claire Masurel and it really helped my daughter to understand that just because most of the children in her class lived with both parents, not ALL children do.

2. Point out the positives. Two bedrooms, two kitchens, two toy boxes, two set of bath toys, two book shelves...you get the point! Besides having two of everything, we explain to her that she is lucky to be able to always spend one-on-one time with each of us.

3. Create a consistent routine. If bath time is at 7 p.m. and bedtime is at 8 p.m. at mom's house, make sure dad is doing the same thing. Does dad allow a popsicle after dinner? If so, mom should too. For our family, my daughter stays with me Monday - Friday and her father every other weekend. Sometimes throughout the week he'll stop by before bedtime for a quick trip to the park, dinner, or some other fun activity.

4. Don't let your child feel guilty for choosing where to stay. Switch off on the weekends. One night, let your child decide where she wants to stay. If one weekend she chooses to stay at dad's, reassure her that she's making a great choice and ask for a big hug and kiss goodbye.

5. Mix it up. Let her have a sleepover at grandma's or auntie's house to show her that there can be more than one loving home for her.

6. Do things together as a family. It won't hurt to go out to a restaurant or to see a movie with your child's other parent. We pick one day each month to do something together (last month we saw Rio 2 and had a blast - plus, dad paid!).

7. Don't be afraid to seek professional help. There are a lot of family counselors who are great at helping to determine what may or may not be best for your family.

As children grow older and begin to understand more, it won't be such a hard issue to address. As long as your child knows just how much you both love her, that's all that matters. Next up is introducing new partners/relationships into the mix. Not sure I'm quite ready for that challenge! Any advice from those who have been there?

RELATED RESOURCES:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Single Parenting: Tips for Explaining Separate Homes to Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I knew it would happen sooner or later, questions from my daughter about why she lives in two separate houses. "Why do you have a house and Daddy has another house?" "My friend at school lives with her Mommy AND Daddy," or "Don't you love Daddy?" Ahhh...where to begin?

# data[].attributes.body
A Most Unusual Day is a picture book about a student who is expecting a new baby sister. She describes how her usual day goes and how the day her little sister was coming it felt really different. This book would be an important book to read to kindergarteners because this is an age where some families would still be having kids after them and they may not understand or want any additions to their family. Diverse families do not always have to do with the parents or culture, it has to do with their family as whole. This includes new members to the family and how to deal with changes to your family.

Alko , S. (2012). Daddy Christmas Hanukkah Mama . New York, NY: Alfred A. Knof.

# data[].attributes.body
My Family Rocks! is an activity I found on how to educate students about other family types they may see and also help educate them about their own. This activity could be modified for any early education grade since they are fairly simple questions. This activity is meant for students to understand, appreciate, and respect the similarities and differences of the students families in their classroom. It can also help them gain more pride in their own family and learn about the different types.

My Family Rocks! (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/my-family-rocks.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Framework

We live in an increasingly diverse world, and that's true even for family structures. The "nuclear" family is not as prevalent in our society as it once was. More children are being raised by single parents, by same-sex parents, by grandparents, in blended families and in families with mixed race, religion and ethnicity. Even though variety is common, children are not always comfortable with their own family situations or with differences in their peers' families. As they encounter other family structures, it is important to help children recognize and accept differences.

If we reinforce these lessons, children will learn to appreciate, rather than fear, differences and to recognize bias and stereotypes when they see them. As children begin to compare their family situation with others, they may start expressing concerns about being different-they need to be reassured that differences are fine. The exposure to families that may not be like their own, in particular, should encourage acceptance as they see that, even within their own classroom, everyone's family is unique!

Recommended Resource

Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves by Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards (2010)

Glossary

diversity [ dih- vur-si-tee ] (noun) variety

family [ fam-uh-lee, fam-lee ] ( noun) a group of people going through the world together often adults and the children they care for

extended family [ ik- sten-did fam-uh-lee, fam-lee ] ( noun) all of the relatives or people making up a family, whether or not they live together; often this includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.

guardian [ gahr-dee- uhn ] ( noun) a person other than a parent who is legally responsible for a child or children

immediate family [ ih- mee-dee-it fam-uh-lee, fam-lee ] (noun) a person's smallest family unit, often consisting of parents/guardians and children

unique [ yoo- neek ] (adjective) having no like or equal

Activities
(Note: Before students enter, place the five numbered signs in different areas of the room.)

1. What does family mean to you? (Note: Write the following sentence starter on a flip chart: "A family is ...") Read the sentence starter and write a word or series of words on a sticky note to complete the sentence. Put the sticky note aside.

2. (Note: Distribute magazines and newspapers.) Look through one of the magazines and find a picture of a family. Tear or cut out the picture.

3. Look at the numbered signs around the room. Get up and stand by the sign that shows the number of people in your magazine picture. For example, if you have cut out a picture that shows four people in a family, stand by the sign that says 4-5.

4. Count the number of people standing by each sign. Which sign has the most people? Which sign has the fewest people?

5. The people standing by your sign will be your group for the first part of the lesson. If one of the signs doesn't have enough people to form a group, feel free to pair up with another group. Sit down with your group members. Show your picture to your other group members and explain to them why you think your picture represents a family.

6. (Note: Read the following family descriptions to the class.) Listen to the family descriptions and stand up every time a family is described:

An African-American mom and her adopted Chinese daughter.

A man and a woman with no children.

Parents and guardians with 11 children and a grandchild.

A mom, a stepdad and a son.

A girl and her two dads.

A boy and his foster parents.

7. Hopefully you stood up each time because every one of these describes a family! Each of us can have our own definition of family. To some people, our family represents the people we are related to. To others, it is the people who love and support us. A family can be two people or 10 people. It can have two moms, one mom or no mom at all. It can have a grandma. It can have one child or six children! It can have children from around the world. Every family is unique!

8. As a group, look back through the magazines and identify pictures of families that look different from the one(s) you originally identified. Then go back to your sticky note and see if you want to change your definition of what a family is. Share your first and final sentences with the class.

9. Now think about your own unique family. Just like each of us has our own identity, each of our families has its own identity too. (Note: If you haven't explored identity yet, you might want to review the activity "Who We Really Are" with students.) Count to yourself the number of people in your own immediate family (this is usually, but not always, the people who live with you). Get up and move to the sign that shows how many people you have in your immediate family. Do a recount of those standing by each sign. Now which sign has the most people? Did the groupings change? In your new group, have each member share who is part of their family. Is everyone's family exactly the same, or are there differences?

10. Distribute the "Family Scavenger Hunt handout (Grades K-2, 3-5). We all have families and, in this lesson, you will learn something unique about each of the different families in your class. There are 10 family descriptions on the handout. For this part of the lesson, you will walk around the room with classmates and try to find someone who matches each family description. When you find someone, write his or her name on the line. See if you can find 10 different people who fit the 10 different descriptions.

11. Review answers. Did anyone find all 10? (Note: Have students share what they learned about their classmates from the activity.) How does it make your community better to have so many different types of families? How many people think their family rocks!

12. (Note: Distribute paper and art materials.) You just learned that every family is unique, including yours. Using art materials, create a family portrait that shows each member of your unique family and includes the following sentence: "My unique family rocks because ______." You can draw each family member, include an actual photograph of each, or include something that represents each member. For example, if your brother plays soccer, you can draw a soccer ball. Remember that every family rocks so no one family is better than any other!

13. When you are finished, present your family portrait to the rest of the class and make sure you let them know why your unique family rocks! Then be prepared to listen to your classmates share why their families rock, too!

Extension Activity

Sometimes people in the same family can have different viewpoints. Interview each of your family members to see why they think your family rocks. Then find a way to incorporate their opinions into the family portrait.

Activities and embedded assessments address the following standards from the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts: CCSS: SL.1, SL.3, SL.4, SL.6, W.1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This lesson is the first in the series "Family Tapestry." One goal of these lessons is to help students recognize and accept differences among themselves and within the larger community. Another is to recognize how each student's unique family contributes to a richer society.

# data[].attributes.headline
8 Ways to Honor Diverse Family Structures

# data[].attributes.subject
8 Ways to Honor Diverse Family Structures

# data[].attributes.body
This article is written for teachers to read and get tips for how to honor the diverse families you will see in your classroom. This would also be a good resource to bring up in the classroom if it is noticeable that some students are not respecting other students families without calling anyone out. Most disrespect to families is just because the students, and/or teachers, are uninformed about the different family types and how everyone has a different background.

Flavin, B. (2018, April 11). 8 Ways to Honor Diverse Family Structures in the ECE Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/honor-diverse-families/.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"... And the very sleepy bunny said, 'Goodnight Mom, goodnight Dad.'"

A line like this wrapping up a sweet children's story probably doesn't cause you any surprise. But if you are a preschooler with two moms or a toddler living with an auntie, then these familiar lines are painting pictures-and parameters-of what a family looks like.

Make no mistake, families with one mom and one dad are wonderful. But other family structures are wonderful as well. When kids know their family looks different than the stories represent, they can feel excluded or confused about where they fit in and if their family counts.

The importance of recognizing diverse families

"The early childhood school setting is often a child's first experience with diversity," says Dawn Kurtz, Ph.D., chief program officer at Child360. "Research has shown that between the ages of two and five years, children become aware of differences, such as gender, ethnicity, disabilities-even differences in family structures."

This can be excellent news for educators who want to instill a sense of confidence in students in the face of their differences. Kurtz explains that talking about our differences is beneficial for children's identity development, while also fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for other people.

"You're teaching children about respect for others. Celebrating the beauty in our differences helps to build a stronger community, diminishes prejudice or fear and enriches our society by creating global citizens in our children," Kurtz says.

On top of that, honoring diverse families in your classroom will help children feel included in their learning environment. "When children know that their family-the people they love most in the world-are valued and truly seen by their teachers, it helps send the message that they belong in that classroom," says Chelsea Myers, early childhood educator at Hilltop Children's Center. "Children learn best in that environment."

Since the heart of education is to help children learn, including diverse families in your classroom is a great goal to set for any classroom. To get your ideas flowing, we asked experts in early childhood education to weigh in on honoring diverse family structures.

8 Ways to create an inclusive environment for students from diverse families

1. Recognize that your assumptions carry weight

Teachers know even the youngest students are extremely perceptive. That definitely includes observing the teacher. Your reactions to questions kids ask about the differences they observe in people around them, for example, paint a landscape for your students. And at an age where you might be one of the only adults they interact with outside the home-your opinions have major impact.

"An educator plays an integral role in helping to shape how a child views themselves, their family unit and the world," Kurtz says. "Research reveals that by age two, babies use observations to classify who 'their' people are, and show preference based upon skin color. These conclusions are often learned by what they perceive from their caregivers."

In the same way, Kurtz explains, children make connections about how their caregivers perceive family systems. If teachers speak about families in exclusively "mom and dad" terms, kids notice. But even a little awareness goes a long way. Teachers who are aware of diverse families can intentionally loop in examples and encourage children to realize that every family looks different.

"The most natural approach is to create an environment that celebrates all differences as a whole," Kurtz says.

2. Add a few characters to dramatic play environments

If your classroom has a play area, a dollhouse or any zone that encourages kids to play act, be sure to include characters and dolls that encourage inclusion.

"Offer persona dolls in the dramatic play areas and have displays around the classroom that include photographs of people from around the world," Kurtz suggests. Maybe this means adding a grandma and grandpa to the dollhouse-or costume clothing choices from around the world. According to Kurtz, a classroom that celebrates differences in all categories will best honor diverse families.

3. Allow kids to notice and talk about differences

This one might seem obvious, but it can be tricky to know what to say when a student blurts out something an adult would never say. But it's very natural for children to make observations and ask questions about race, gender and family structure differences.

"Remember, children are merely making observations of differences-what makes a boy or a girl, differences in skin color-they are not making assumptions that fall into what we, as adults, know as racism or prejudice," Kurtz says. "Every conversation and interaction is a valuable opportunity to begin supporting inclusive ideas and identity development early in life."

4. Be intentional with story time

"Books are an excellent way to start," Myers says, adding that you can find stories that lay out a counter-narrative from the norm as well as stories depicting the many ways to make a family. "These books help validate my children's own lives, they showcase ways that others live and they spark rich conversations."

"There are all types of families, including same-sex parents and multiracial parents, which can be celebrated and embraced through classroom practices," Kurtz says. Representing different kinds of families in picture books is one of the most straightforward ways to showcase diverse families.

5. Invite family members to share in class

Any activity that puts your students' family members in the classroom spotlight can teach more than words ever will. Kurtz suggests inviting family members to visit the classroom and share about their heritage. Even inviting family members to participate in show and tell for a day-or to talk about a meal they love could work.

"All of these actions help normalize the idea that all of our families do not look the same," Kurtz says. Activities like these offer the added bonus of giving you more time with your students' families. Those partnerships are known for supporting student learning.

6. Model curiosity

Curiosity about other people and their families can find roots in an amazing imagination. "When talking to kids about their play, we can help open their worlds," Kurtz says. "They are so creative already-if a baby leopard can run the fastest and fly, then it can easily also have two moms."

This is another way where the creative and imaginative environment of your classroom can have a huge impact. Dream big, imagine things and ask questions. "When talking to kids about their home life, we can be the ones modeling curiosity about others instead of judgment," Kurtz says. "We can ask questions instead of making assumptions."

7. Look into free resources

Trying to add diverse families to your curriculum or classroom environment can feel like a big task, but Myers encourages everyone to take advantage of free resources. "You don't need to reinvent the wheel-people have been working on this for a long time."

For ideas, Myers suggests checking out your state's ECE licensing website. "They may offer financial assistance, calendars of trainings or maybe even book lists or other classroom resources." Expanding your work in this way might not feel easy, "But it will be worth it," Myers says.

8. Emphasize the importance of family

In a sense, honoring diverse families boils down to the idea that every family is valuable and important. Family structures, no matter what they look like, are the foundation your students are standing on. That is always worth encouraging.

"It's important to have a baseline of valuing the families that are in your classroom, even if they all look like the stereotype," Kurtz says. "Making a family book from photos or displaying photos of your children's families around the classroom or school is one way to get that ball rolling."

Making every family important in the classroom space is an excellent way to encourage your students to understand and respect the value of all families and not just the ones that look similar to their own families.

Building on a solid foundation

The best teachers are always going the extra mile for their students. When you see those little eyes light up with understanding, the extra effort you put into your job feels so worth it. In the end, it's about how they develop and approach their own lives.

"As these children grow up, I want them to know that it's wonderful that the people around them are different," Myers says. "I also want them to know that however they make a family later in life is wonderful."

Education is the foundation for a diverse and prosperous future-and while it may seem easy enough to follow the "Golden Rule" of treating others as you'd like to be treated, we all have our blind spots. One way to fix that is to enroll in an ECE program that challenges students to recognize these biases. Learn more in our article, " 5 Ways Rasmussen College ECE Students Are Equipped to Educate in a Diverse World."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
8 Ways to Honor Diverse Family Structures in the ECE Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Diverse families are represented in every classroom, so how are you incorporating this into your lessons? Get some ideas from early childhood experts on how to honor various family structures in your curriculum.

# data[].attributes.body
With My Family

(Sung to the tune of The Muffin Man)

Tell me what you like to do

Like to do, like to do.
Tell me what you like to do
With your family.
(Johnny*) likes to (go bike riding**)
Go riding, go riding**.
Johnny* likes to go Bike riding**
With his family.
* insert child”™s name
** insert chosen activity

This song is a good interactive song that you can sing with your classroom. It can also be modified or themed. For example, you could do around the holidays, on weekends, in the summer, etc). This will help other students get to know one another and help learn about their backgrounds of family and culture. Original Author is unknown.