# data[].attributes.body
This article is a great resource for early childhood educators. It explains what diversity means. It also discusses that self-reflection is an important tool in gaining cultural competence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ABSTRACT
This study includes an in-depth examination of 9 students' weekly reflections and reactions to a hybrid (synchronous and asynchronous) course for preservice teachers focused on diversity and equity topics in early childhood. Through online learning modules and readings organized into six units and 14 lessons, students covered a variety of topics including race, culture, gender roles, and socioeconomic diversity. Embedded videos and activities as well as synchronous guest speakers supported connections to material. Students reacted to content by processing areas of tension and challenge, and displayed individual tension and growth across all units with weekly writing and self-reflection being instrumental in processing their reactions. Implications for developing impactful online courses focused on antibias, equity, and social justice topics and preparing educators to be aware of their own biases are discussed.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice: How antibias content and self-reflection support early childhood preservice teacher consciousness

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ABSTRACT This study includes an in-depth examination of 9 students' weekly reflections and reactions to a hybrid (synchronous and asynchronous) course for preservice teachers focused on diversity and equity topics in early childhood. Through online learning modules and readings organized into six units and 14 lessons, students covered a variety of topics including race, culture, gender roles, and socioeconomic diversity.

# data[].attributes.headline
A book for educators about preventing gender bias by students in the classroom

# data[].attributes.subject
A book for educators about preventing gender bias by students in the classroom

# data[].attributes.body
This is a great resource to share with other teachers. It talks about how to talk to young children about accepting others and how to prevent gender bias.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The foundation for gender identity formation gets established during the preschool years (Derman-Sparks and Edwards, 2010, 91). By age three, although most children can identify themselves as boys or girls, they are still sorting out the concept of gender (Roberts and Hill, 2003). "The support they get or do not get in their preschool years lays the foundation for the rest of their gender identity formation," according to Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards (2010, 91).

Adults can take a variety of measures to create fair and gender-equitable environments for young children. They can:

Reflect on their own attitudes and behaviors.

Send only nonsexist, non-stereotyped messages (Miller, 2001).

Provide equal opportunity for girls and boys to speak (Derman-Sparks, Edwards, 2010, 98).

Avoid responding more quickly to children of one gender than another (Miller, 2002).

Discuss gender issues by involving children in helping to solve gender-related problems that may arise (Miller, 2002).

Use gender-neutral language (Choose plural pronouns, such as "they" and "them," instead of masculine pronouns such as "he" and "him" and words such as firefighter, flight attendant, garbage collector, and humankind can easily be used to replace the use of "man" as a generic noun or ending.)

Change traditional children's music, rhymes, and finger plays so that they include characters of both genders. For example, alternate male and female names: In Mary had a Little Lamb, use "Jimmy" instead of "Mary." Interchange parental roles: In Five Little Monkeys, interchange "Mama" and "Papa." Make verses gender neutral: In The Wheels on the Bus, use "parents" instead of "mommies;" in Where Is Thumbkin? use "Friend" instead of "Sir;" in Old MacDonald Had a Farm, use "The MacDonalds" instead of "Old MacDonald" and "they" instead of "he."

(Bias-Free Foundations: Early Childhood Guidebook & Activities for Educators, 2001, 8)

Ensure the environment reflects diversity in gender roles and encourages opportunities for everyone by including:

Alternatives to the pretend kitchen such as a workbench, home office, store, office, hospital, etc.

Gender neutral career puzzles that include images of men and women in non-stereotypical roles such as: girls and women depicted as physical and strong, in leadership roles and having occupations in fields such as sports, science, mechanics, etc. and boys and men showing emotions other than anger, participating in domestic tasks, providing care for families, and having occupations in fields such as dance, nursing, cooking, etc.

Diverse family styles and composition

Children's books that reflect diverse gender roles

(Bias-Free Foundations: Early Childhood Guidebook & Activities for Educators, 2001, 7, 11)

Help children gain comfort with a broader range of activities, regardless of their gender.

Observe the ways children's choices seem influenced by gender lines varying groupings during free play/choice time.

Establish non-sexist routines and experiences by ensuring that all children have equal responsibility in assigned jobs (Derman-Sparks, Edwards, 2010, 97).

Help children develop skills for thinking critically and taking action.

Have them explore their ideas about gender identity and think about what is or is not "fair with respect to gender.

Teach them ways to address hurtful gender put-down.

Honor children when they stand up for themselves or others in the face of gender bias. (Derman-Sparks, Edwards, 2010, 99)

Although gender role norms have broadened over time, attentiveness to the equity and diversity in gender identity can help create a solid and positive foundation for children's future identity development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Can I Prevent Gender Bias in Young Children?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The foundation for gender identity formation gets established during the preschool years (Derman-Sparks and Edwards, 2010, 91). By age three, although most children can identify themselves as boys or girls, they are still sorting out the concept of gender (Roberts and Hill, 2003).

# data[].attributes.body
This article discusses the issues of social injustices. It discusses the importance of cultural humility and becoming culturally competent.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Beyond the Illusion of Diversity: How Early Childhood Teachers Can Promote Social Justice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whereas professional organizations recognize the centrality of diversity in school curricula and instructional practices and most educators conceptually agree, little of this information and ideology is translated into classrooms. When examining the ethos in most schools, the valuation of diversity is not readily apparent in teacher attitudes, instructional practices, curricula, and school policies.

# data[].attributes.body
This video is a great resource to share with young children. It talks about what diversity is. It also teaches them about what makes people different and how to appreciate it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Is Diversity? | Celebrating People And Their Differences | Circle Time with Khan Academy Kids

# data[].attributes.body
This Ted Talk by Brian Lozenski is about bringing cultural context and self-identity into the classroom. It discusses gender and racial biases by teachers. It will be a great resource to share with other educators.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bringing Cultural Context and Self-Identity into Education: Brian Lozenski at TEDxUMN

# data[].attributes.body
This video by PBS kids is made for children. It discusses standing up for themselves. It discusses Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks how they stood up for people of color.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PBS KIDS Talk About | Standing Up for Yourself & Others | PBS KIDS

# data[].attributes.body
Is a great resource for young children. It shows them a variety of cultures and differences. It shows them to respect and accept others as they are.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
It's OK to be Different: A Children's Picture Book About Diversity and Kindness

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's OK to be Different: A Children's Picture Book About Diversity and Kindness [Purtill, Sharon, Saha, Sujata] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. It's OK to be Different: A Children's Picture Book About Diversity and Kindness

# data[].attributes.body
This is a great resource with some activities in the classroom or to send home to families. They promote cultural awareness and discuss the differences and culture of children all around the world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Éditeur de la source HTMLRupture de ligne

Turn circle time into a trip around the world. Invite each child to sit in a cardboard box which will represent his airplane throughout the theme.

Each morning, invite children to board their airplane and say, "Good morning, I will be your pilot today. We are going to discover... (example: Italy). Please fasten your seatbelts and have a good trip!" Fill a suitcase with pictures and objects which represent the country you will be discussing. Open the suitcase and invite each child to select an item. Children take turns presenting their object with your help.
Postcard
We have prepared a postcard model for you. (Open models-Postcard) Print for each child. Have them glue their postcard to the front and back of a piece of cardboard. At the end of the theme, ask children to draw the country they enjoyed visiting most. Have them glue the country's flag on the postcard. When they are done, mail the postcards to each child's home. They will be very surprised!

(Open thematic poster - Children around the world) Print, laminate, and decorate the walls of your daycare with all kinds of posters. (Open world map and flags) Print and laminate. Display on the wall. Using Velcro, add the flag of the country you are discussing each day.

Have fun with these wonderful workshop ideas provided by Caroline Allard.

Construction/building blocks:

Decorate the area with pictures of various buildings or structures from around the world (mosque, pyramid, tower, etc.)
Arts & crafts:

World map drawings.

Drawings of flags children can color (you can decorate the area with colourful flags).

White rice or tinted rice which can be used to make collages (flags, etc.)

Make maracas using a variety of containers filled with rice.

Multicultural Crayola crayons to color various skin types.

Role play:

Chinese kitchen: Chinese hats which can easily be made, chopsticks, small square boxes (available at Dollar stores and in supermarkets), etc. You can even add real rice!

Bin filled with food items from around the world.

Bamboo placemats.

Pictures of traditional costumes from different countries displayed on the walls.

Caribbean: small swimming pool filled with sand (or empty), umbrella, beach towels, flippers, mask, and empty sunscreen bottles.

Manipulation:

Memory game with flags or people from around the world.

Modeling dough which represents various skin types.

Puzzles related to the theme.

Globe...children try to find their location.

Reading and relaxation:

Books about countries with lots of pictures.

A world map can decorate the area.

Books about characters which travel throughout the world.

Music:

Music from around the world... and dances!

Sensory bins:
Early science:

Recipes from around the world.

ACTIVITY SHEETS

Activity sheets are suggested for each theme. Print and follow instructions. Children must associate the colors to the correct continents. (Open activity sheets-The continents)

The pictures may be used as a memory game or to spark a conversation with your group. Use them to decorate the daycare or a specific thematic corner. (Open picture game-Children around the world)

The flashcards may be used to spark a conversation with your group, in your reading and writing area, or to identify your thematic bins. (Open word flashcards-Children around the world) China, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Italy, United States of America, France, Haiti, Hawaii, Greenland, Scotland, Holland

Camera
(Open model-camera) Print the model. Trace it onto heavy cardboard and cut it out. Each child will have his own camera. They can use their cameras to take pretend pictures to remember the activities they enjoy most. Invite children to draw their favourite activity at the end of each day. (Open models-picture) They may present it to the group.

Photo album
Ask parents and grandparents to provide pictures they took on various trips (or use pictures found in magazines). Cut them out and glue them on 10 cm x 13 cm pieces of paper. Place the pictures in plastic bags (Ziploc). You can place two pictures in each bag, back to back. Staple the bags together so you can open them if needed. Use adhesive tape to cover the staples. Variation: You can take pictures of the costumes you make throughout the theme and place them in a photo album or in Ziploc bags.

Photographer
Children take turns pretending they are a photographer. The other children dress up with clothing which represents different cultures (a sombrero and a poncho, for example) and strike different poses.

Pyramids
Children build pyramids with cardboard boxes.

Here are a few suggestions for specific countries:

Chinese lantern
Use small glass jars (baby food jars). Cover the jars with colourful tissue paper or paint them using stained glass paint. Place a small tea light inside.

Chinese hats
Trace a large circle on heavy paper and cut it out. Cut a straight line to the center of the circle. Fold the two parts, on either side of the slit. Glue or staple the two parts together. Make holes on either side of the hat's tip. Thread ribbon through the holes. Children can decorate their hats.

Rice
Let children create a picture by gluing rice grains on dark paper.

Spoonfuls of rice
Provide each child with an empty 2-litre soft drink bottle. Fill a large container with rice and deposit it in the center of the table. Set a timer and invite children to add rice to their bottle as quickly as possible. When the timer rings, the child with the most rice in his bottle wins.

Sushi and tatami snack time
At snack time, set cushions around a coffee table and encourage children to sit on their knees. Make your own banana sushi using a tortilla. Spread jam on top and add banana slices. Roll and cut into pieces.

Chinese meal
Set a large blanket on the floor and serve rice. Let children use chopsticks.

Vocabulary
Thank you: Arigato
I love you: Wuo ai nee
Hello: Panorama
Goodbye: Sayonara

The piñata
This is a traditional game children enjoy in Mexico. Fill tiny Ziploc bags with candy and place them in an empty shoebox. Close the box and secure it with tape. Wrap the box with wrapping paper or tissue paper and tape. Decorate the box with strips of paper and tissue paper flowers. Use hot glue to add these decorations to the box.

Maracas
Fill empty water bottles with pasta. Seal the bottles with hot glue. Children can decorate their maracas and then make music with them.

Mexican flower
Cut several circles out of multicoloured tissue paper. Use six layers for each flower. Secure them together with a pipe cleaner, pinching the tissue paper in the center. Separate the layers and use the flowers as hairpieces for the girls in your group.

My banjo
Glue an aluminum pie plate on a strip of heavy cardboard. Slide rubber bands over the plate. Show children how to create banjo-like sounds by pinching the rubber bands with their fingers.

Mexican fiesta
For lunch, prepare your very own Mexican fiesta. Prepare various Mexican foods such as fajitas, tacos, nachos, salsa, guacamole, etc. Play Mexican music in the background.

Vocabulary
Thank you: Gracias
I love you: Te amo
Child: Niño
Hello: Hola
Goodby: Adios

Spaghetti
Cook several boxes of spaghetti and let cool. Prepare a sensory bin with the cooked pasta. Children will love playing with the noodles.

Pasta and more pasta
Provide several different types of dry pasta. Let children use the pasta to make a collage, a bracelet, a necklace, a garland, etc.

Colourful pasta
Prepare sensory bins filled with tinted dry pasta.

1 pint of noodles
2 tablespoons of food coloring
3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol

Combine the food coloring and rubbing alcohol in a container. Add the pasta. Cover. Shake gently to coat pasta completely with color. Spread noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet and let dry several hours. Prepare a single color at a time and then divide to create several sensory bins. This preparation must be done by an adult.

Italian chef
Let each child prepare his own tiny pizza. Give them each a small ball of pizza dough. Set a variety of ingredients in bowls and let them create!

Vocabulary
Thank you: Grazie
I love you: Ti amo

Child: Bambino
Hello: Ciao
Goodbye: Arrivederci

Tam-tam
Set pots, pans, and various sizes of metal cans on the floor. Using utensils, children can enjoy creating African sounds and rhythms.

African mask
Give each child a brown paper grocery bag. Make holes for the eyes. Let children decorate their African mask using a variety of materials.

African dance
Play African music and invent your own dance steps.

Rainstick
Provide an empty paper towel roll for each child. Make a tiny hole on either side of the tube, large enough to fit a drinking straw through. Cut the straw so that it is the same size as the width of the paper towel roll. Add tape to one end of the tube and drop dry peas inside. Close off the other end the same way and gently turn your rainstick.

African animals
(Open African animals) Print, cut out, and deposit the animals in a jar. Children take turns picking an animal and making the corresponding animal sounds and moves.

African jewellery
Make bracelets by cutting large strips of cardboard and gluing the extremities together. Cover them with aluminum paper and add decorative items. Use large, colourful buttons and raffia to make your bracelets bright!

Exotic fruits and vegetables
Introduce children to exotic fruits and vegetables such as plantains, kiwis, oranges, mangoes, miniature bananas, sweet potatoes, litchis, or passion fruit.

Vocabulary:
Thank you: Dankie
I love you: Ek het jou life
Child: Kind
Hello: Goeiedag
Goodbye: Totsiens

Indian bandana
(Open craft-Indian bandana) Print a copy for each child. Have them cut out and color their bandana and the feathers. They must then glue the feathers to the bandana. When they are done, assemble each headband to fit the size of the child's head and staple. Note that if you prefer, you may use a strip of construction paper. The child may also glue real feathers on the strip of paper.

Igloo
Cover a table with white bed sheets. Set up a container filled with snow and winter figurines. Add books about polar animals. Children will love playing in their "igloo".

Circle time: Taste a variety of products made with maple syrup. Explain how maple syrup is made (water, syrup, butter, taffy, sugar).

Lunch and snack: As a snack, serve maple leaf cookies. For lunch, serve a typical sugar shack lunch and use a checkered tablecloth.

Special activities: To represent a sleigh ride, pull children in a sled on the grass or snow. Organize outdoor activities. At the end of the day, serve maple taffy on snow. Boil the contents of one can of pure maple syrup, stirring constantly. Use a candy thermometer. The taffy will be ready when the temperature reaches 240⁰F. Pour over snow and enjoy!
Vocabulary:
Thank you: Merci
I love you: Je t'aime
Child: Enfant
Hello: Allo
Goodbye: Au revoir

COLORING PAGES

(Open coloring pages theme-Children around the world) Print for each child.
It's a small world
It's a world of laughter
A world of tears
It's a world of hope
And a world of fears
There's so much that we share
That it's time we're aware
It's a small world after all

It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small, small world

There is just one moon
And one golden sun
And a smile means
Friendship to everyone
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It's a small world after all

It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small, small world
Around the world
by: Patricia Morrison

sung to: Skidamarink

Around the world, the world, the world
Around the world you'll find
Me and you
Around the world, the world, the world
Around the world you'll find
Me and you
You may be in Italy
While I'm in Canada
If you're in China or Japan
Mexico, Africa
Around the world, the world, the world
Around the world we grow
Me and you

Mettre à jour Annuler

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children around the world - Theme and activities - Educatall

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Éditeur de la source HTMLRupture de ligne Turn circle time into a trip around the world. Invite each child to sit in a cardboard box which will represent his airplane throughout the theme. Each morning, invite children to board their airplane and say, "Good morning, I will be your pilot today.

# data[].attributes.headline
A song for children about acceptance of diversity

# data[].attributes.subject
A song for children about acceptance of diversity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
All About Acceptance (song for kids about accepting others)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Being Different is Beautiful by LittleSikhs.com (Diversity Video for Children, Kids, & Schools)

# data[].attributes.headline
A video story book discussing how we are all different

# data[].attributes.subject
A video story book discussing how we are all different

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'We Are All Different' Twinkl Original story

# data[].attributes.headline
Childrens book that discusses gender bias

# data[].attributes.subject
Childrens book that discusses gender bias

# data[].attributes.body
This book is about a girl who would rather play basketball than with dolls or girly things. This book challenges gender stereotypes proudly on the level young children will understand.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Basket Ball book. Read 18 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Lulu prefers playing basketball to playing with dolls. So when the ...

# data[].attributes.body
This book is about a bull who did not want to be rough and tough as expected. It teacher gender bias on a young child's level to help explain we should not expect certain roles for each gender.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction / social themes / self-esteem & self-reliance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Soon to be a major motion picture!Ferdinand is the world's most peaceful--and--beloved little bull. While all of the other bulls snort, leap, and butt their heads, Ferdinand is content to just sit and smell the flowers under his favorite cork tree. Leaf's simple storytelling paired with Lawson's ...

# data[].attributes.body
This article is from Understood.org which is a great resource for families or teachers working with children who have special needs. This article talks about why it is so important to teach children and others about being empathetic and showing they care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Imagine this scenario: You're eating lunch in the teacher's lounge, and the cafeteria monitor comes to find you. One of your students, Shaun, is pushing other students to get to the front of the line to go outside for recess. This is the third day in a row the monitor has interrupted your lunch for the same reason.

Frustrated, you rush down the hall. You tell Shaun that if he can't wait his turn calmly, he'll have to be the last one in line from now on. Your reaction is understandable-what you see is a student who is continuing to shove other kids out of his way even after he's been told not to.

Student Behavior and Empathy

What you see your students do and hear them say influences your perception of them. With a classroom full of students, it's natural to react to students based on those outward behaviors-but what's happening below the surface ?

It's human nature to focus on how a student's negative behavior takes time away from teaching and affects your classroom. When you are charged with managing behavior in addition to teaching content, it's easy to overlook what's happening with the student and focus on what's happening to you as the teacher.

Showing empathy can help you change that dynamic, so you not only acknowledge and consider what you see and feel, but also what you don't see. Those unseen challenges could include learning and thinking differences. But other struggles, such as trauma or hunger, may also be involved.

Empathy is a way of connecting with other people that shows you understand that they're experiencing something meaningful-even though you may not understand exactly how it feels for them. In other words, empathy is about finding a way to connect and to be able to say, "I want to understand how this feels to you and let you know that you're not alone."

Empathy is a powerful tool that can help you better understand what's driving your students' behavior and find strategies to help. It can also help you connect and work through difficult moments together.

Keep in mind that empathy isn't the same as sympathy. When you are sympathetic, you may feel sorry for students. Even though you may care deeply for them, sympathy may lead you to look down on students instead of trying to understand or connect with them.

Being empathetic does not mean lowering your expectations. You can validate and have empathy for students, while at the same time holding them to high standards. In moments when you connect with students empathetically, you can reinforce your belief in their ability to succeed.

Empathy may not be about feeling sorry, but it is about feelings. Give yourself permission to acknowledge your own emotions. It's natural to be frustrated or upset. What's going on with your students has an emotional impact on you, too. You may need to take a minute to regroup before you talk to the student.

When you're ready and able to be empathetic in stressful moments, it shows that you're trying to get past your own feelings. You're modeling for students what it looks like to practice self-control and to tune into other people's feelings.

The Four Parts of Empathy

1. Perspective taking. When you take a different perspective, you put aside your own feelings and reactions to see the situation through your students' eyes. You may start by asking yourself: Do I believe my students are doing the very best they can?

2. Putting aside judgment. It's easy to jump to and express conclusions about the situation based on what you see. But it's important to step back and consider: What more do I need to learn and understand about the situation?

3. Trying to understand the student's feelings. If you can, tap into your own experiences to find a way to understand what the student is feeling or to remember a time when you felt something similar. Be careful not to overdo it, however. Each person's experiences are their own, so saying "I know how you feel" can come across as disingenuous. If you're struggling, ask yourself: What more do I need to learn and understand about how other people are reacting to or perceiving the situation?

4. Communicate that you understand. Talk to your students without using "fix it" phrases like "what you need to do is...." Instead, try reflective phrases like, "It sounds like you..." or "I hear that you...." As teachers, our instinct is often to contain the situation and find a quick fix. That can help in the short term. But it won't build long-term trust with students. And it won't help students learn to solve problems with you, and eventually try to solve issues on their own. This step requires you to do some self-reflection: What more do I need to learn and understand about how I react in the moment? What more do I need to learn about how I communicate to others that I hear them, even though I'm experiencing my own emotions?

Responding to Students With Empathy

It's one thing to understand the importance and components of empathy. It's another thing to respond with empathy, especially in stressful moments.

Think back to the lunchroom situation with Shaun. Imagine Shaun's reaction to your frustration. Instead of being rude or defiant, as you expected, he bursts into hiccupping tears. He wasn't trying to be rude or pushy. Shaun's sensory processing issues make being in the middle of the loud cafeteria challenging. He feels crowded and a little panicky. He knows he'll feel better when he can get outside to escape the noise.

When he heard what you said, in the way you said it, he felt something you probably didn't intend to convey: You don't understand him.

When you speak without empathy, you might say things like:

This reaction doesn't acknowledge the feelings or challenges that may be driving the behavior. And when Shaun hears that, he's not likely to be motivated to change.

Instead, imagine how Shaun might react if you were to say this:

Just that small change in approach can make a big difference in what a student hears and feels, and how willing he is to keep working on things that are difficult for him. That, in turn, is going to impact Shaun's ability to be available to learn in your classroom. A student who knows his teacher understands him and his challenges is a more available learner.

Ways to Show Empathy for Students Who Learn and Think Differently

Feeling understood and supported is especially important for students who learn and think differently. It helps them stay motivated, increases self-awareness, and encourages them to advocate for themselves. These self-advocacy and self-determination skills lead to better outcomes in employment and post-school life, according to research.

That said, many of these students may not feel they're understood because other adults have reacted to their behaviors or challenges without empathy in the past. Tuning into their emotions shows that you understand and accept all students.

Getting Started in Your Classroom

About the Author

About the Author

worked as a classroom teacher and as an early intervention specialist for 10 years. She is the author of Amanda Morin The Everything Parent's Guide to Special Education. Two of her children have learning differences.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Rayma Griffin, MA, MEd has spent 40 years working with children with learning and thinking differences in the classroom and as an administrator.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teaching With Empathy: Why It's Important

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Imagine this scenario: You're eating lunch in the teacher's lounge, and the cafeteria monitor comes to find you. One of your students, Shaun, is pushing other students to get to the front of the line to go outside for recess. This is the third day in a row the monitor has interrupted your lunch for the same reason.

# data[].attributes.body
Here is our local community guide of resources. This resource has all of our community resources listed that are available to our children and families. The department of social services and family resource center listed are great resources in the community to help our families with issues concerning culture and diversity needs.

# data[].attributes.body
This link has several activities for teachers and families. It has activities to help teach diversity and inclusion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. -Martin Luther King Jr.

After MUCH thought & prayer, I have arrived upon the best way I know how to take action. To share with you all The Diversity Pack that was created a year in a half ago to help families spark intentional conversations about race & God's heart towards racial reconciliation & for 100% of ALL commission to go towards bethbridege.com. An organization whose vision is to "in NOW through June 12, 2020. After this, through July 12, 2020, 30% of all commission will go to bethebridge.com. Now in the wake of what our country is facing & the death of George Floyd, I re-share this with the most humble heart. I don't wish to self-promote, act as if I have all the answers, or think I can fix things. I am listening, learning, & praying alongside you all. I pray my heart is received well. Praying for hearts to change, minds to be enlightened, & God's Word to stand true, He values ALL people & is against injustice, & He stands with the vulnerable & the oppressed & asks us to teach our children well.

spire people to have a distinctive and transformative response to racial division and be present and intentional toward racial reconciliation."

Who Equip(s) bridge-builders toward fostering and developing vision, skills, and heart(s) for racial healing." And "partner(s) with existing organizations who have a heart for racial justice, restoration, and reconciliation."

See The Diversity Pack's Original Blog Post & Recommended Children's Book List HERE
​FREE SAME & DIFFERENT EGG EXPERIMENT out of the DIVERSITY PACK

To stay updated on NEW freebies, discounts, & products, JOIN the Stories Begin At Home E-Mail List & receive FREE Spanish Heart cards (out of the Diversity Pack) & a DISCOUNT CODE to the SHOP

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Diversity Activities For Kids, Racial Reconciliation, Anti-Racism, Social Activism for Kids, FREE Same/Different Egg Experiment Activity - Stories Begin At Home

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. -Martin Luther King Jr. After MUCH thought & prayer, I have arrived upon the best way I know how to take action.

# data[].attributes.body
This resource has several books listed to teach and foster anti-bias.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Children's books are a powerful tool for challenging stereotypes and reducing bias. But there are lots of categories within diverse children's books. For example, we don't want all of our diverse books on a child's shelf to be about history, with nothing set in the present day. In this post, I share 5 kinds of anti-bias children's books that belong in every home or school collection.

Before we dive into the types of books, let's talk about what we mean by "diverse and inclusive." Racial diversity is key of course, but there are many other kinds of diversity that belong in our children's book collections.
Disclosure: For your convenience, this post includes affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Take a look at your children's bookshelf to see if you have books that star:

Black, Asian, Latinx, and Indigenous characters

Characters with disabilities and autism

Kids and grown-ups of many genders (including non-binary and transgender characters), plus books that challenge stereotypical ideas about what is masculine or feminine

Characters of many religions

Kids who live in many types of families (LGBTQ parents, blended families, multigenerational families, single parent families)

Now, let's talk about what types of anti-bias children's books you want to include on your shelf, keeping those diversity categories above in mind.

5 kinds of anti-bias children's books that every home or classroom needs

1. #ownvoices children's books

What does #ownvoices mean? It means that a book not only stars characters who are diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, or being LGBTQ. The book is also written by an author who shares the identity of those characters.

Who tells a story matters, and folks should get to tell their own stories.

A few of my favorite #ownvoices anti-bias children's books include:

Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke and Angela Booksbank (ages 2 - 7)

Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask about Having a Disability by Shane Burcaw and Matt Carr (ages 4 - 10)
Plus, discover which "classic" books I don't recommend because of racist content.
You'll also get my kids and justice themed resources in your inbox each Tuesday. Don't like it? No problem. You can unsubscribe in one click.

Indian Shoes by Cynthia Leitich Smith (ages 7 - 11)

Find more #ownvoices books in my Anti-Bias Children's Books Calendar.

2. Stories about people living everyday life

While it's crucial to talk directly about racism and other forms of bias with children, we don't want to give kids the idea that being Black, or being disabled, or being gay, is only about dealing with bias.

So, we need plenty of diverse books on our shelves that show children simply living everyday life.

Some of my favorite "everyday" anti-bias children's books include:

The Bread Pet by Kate dePalma and Nelleke Verhoeff (ages 4 - 8, #ownvoices)

Cora agrees to take care of her Uncle JB's bread pet, having no idea how quickly the sourdough starter "pet" will take over their kitchen. Soon she and her two moms have to do something to contain it, but Cora can't bear to throw away any of the bread pet. Purchase from Barefoot Books .

Dog Days (The Carver Chronicles Volume I) by Karen English and Laura Freeman (ages 7 - 9, #ownvoices)

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwell (ages 3 - 7)

Find more everyday stories in my Anti-Bias Children's Books Calendar.

3. Books that directly address racism and injustice

A crucial component of any anti-bias children's books collection is books that directly talk about oppression, prejudice, and systemic injustice. Children have to understand what racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism look like in order to resist these injustices and the stereotypes that go along with them.

Some of my favorite social justice books for children include:

La Frontera: My Journey with Papa by Deborah Mills and Alfredo Alva (ages 4 - 9, #ownvoices)

This true story shares the difficult journey of a young undocumented son and father from Mexico to the United States. It's one of the resources I use most often for helping children understand immigration issues. Purchase from Barefoot Books.

You'll also get my kids and justice themed resources in your inbox each Tuesday. Don't like it? No problem. You can unsubscribe in one click.
Plus, discover which "classic" books I don't recommend because of racist content.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang (ages 8 - 12, #ownvoices)

This novel has prompted many discussions with my child about worker rights, racism, and discrimination against immigrants.

When Mia Tang's parents get hired to manage a motel, they're sure this will be the way they'll finally move out of poverty. After all, the owner Mr. Yao is giving them a free place to live, plus money for every customer they check in. Plus, there's a pool that Mia can't wait to swim in.

Something Happened In Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice (ages 5 - 10, #ownvoices)

Find more books about social justice issues in my Anti-Bias Children's Books Calendar.

4. Books that tell history honestly

One of the reasons that children form biases towards whiteness, maleness, and other privileged identities is because history is usually told from the perspective of people in power.

In most school settings, children learn history from a whitewashed perspective. But we can challenge bias and help children understand how history actually happened by reading great history books at home.

Some of my favorite anti-bias children's books that tell history honestly are:

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson (ages 7 - 12, #ownvoices)

The Undefeated is Alexander's tribute to all the Black leaders, everyday people, and the movements who are too often left out of history textbooks. He seamlessly connects the civil rights and Black Lives Matter movements. . Purchase from Bookshop .

Shirley Chisolm Is a Verb! by Veronica Chambers and Rachelle Baker (ages 6 - 10, #ownvoices)

Before reading this engaging picture book, I knew Shirley Chisolm was the first Black woman to run for President. But I didn't know she was also the first Black women elected to Congress, or that she helped initiate important programs for children including WIC and the school lunch program.

The book emphasizes the many verbs that describe Chisolm, and how children can choose their own ways to act, from negotiating to listening to inspiring. . Purchase from Bookshop .

Find more honest history books in my Anti-Bias Children's Books Calendar.

5. Fantasy, fairytale, and science fiction books

Every group of children deserves to see themselves as the heroes in magical stories that transport them to other worlds. Sadly, fantasy has been one of the least diverse children's book genres.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of fantasy books that star kids of color, children with disabilities, and LGBTQ characters.

Some of my favorite diverse fantasy books are:

Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen and Kadir Nelson (ages 6 - 10, #ownvoices)

From the moment Rose was born, she was powerful. The first child born "free and easy" in her family, she immediately captures a bolt of lightening and sets it on her shoulders. She even chooses her own name, announcing that she's "right partial to the name Rose."

Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott (ages 8 - 12, #ownvoices)

Jaxon really, really doesn't want to spend the day with his grandma that's he never met before. But his mother has no choice; they're about to be evicted from their Brooklyn apartment and she has to go to court.

Jax's worries only increase when the woman he calls Ma tells him that she's not his grandma. After watching all the strange things that happen in her apartment, including talking animals, he realizes that she's a witch! Purchase from Amazon. Purchase from Bookshop.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (ages 8 - 12, #ownvoices)

Lin skillfully weaves the story of a young Chinese girl who wants to change her family's poor fortune with many short stories about characters like the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon.

Find more diverse fantasy books in my Anti-Bias Children's Books Calendar.

You'll also get my kids and justice themed resources in your inbox each Tuesday. Don't like it? No problem. You can unsubscribe in one click.
Plus, discover which "classic" books I don't recommend because of racist content.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 types of anti-bias children's books that belong on your shelf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Children's books are a powerful tool for challenging stereotypes and reducing bias. But there are lots of categories within diverse children's books. For example, we don't want all of our diverse books on a child's shelf to be about history, with nothing set in the present day.

# data[].attributes.body
This video is a resource for children and families. It discusses diversity and inclusion in a way children can understand.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Animated Stories | Diverse Friendships for Life