It is important for every private kindergarten child to feel like part of the class, family, or group. Being included makes them feel better about themselves, especially when it gives them the opportunity to share experiences and activities. From working together to discovering how we are all the same to exploring foods and customs from around the world, activities that promote diversity and inclusion can take many shapes.
1. Team Activities
Montessori kindergarten activities that involve working in pairs or groups gives every child an opportunity to be part of something larger than themselves. Working with other children gives each child some insight into communication, teamwork, and accepting the differences of others. Everyone excels in different ways, and we should be as accepting of others as we want them to be for us.
2. One Human Family
Underneath the culture and geography, we are all just parts of one human family. Like snowflakes, no human beings are exactly alike, but every child has a lot in common with all the others. Just like everyone in the immediate family has different traits, children can use the family model to begin understanding differences in physical abilities, races, and everything else. We are all different, but we are also all the same.
3. Foods and Cultures
People come from all over the world, and their geographic origins determine cultural customs, belief systems, and the kinds of foods they eat. Learning about the origins of fruits or food is a good introduction to how every corner of the globe contributes to the things we enjoy.
Leaf Analogies
Nature can be used to demonstrate diversity and inclusion. Start with leaves from the same tree and take note of how each one differs from the others. Next, expand the analogy leaves from different trees, and then look at the leaves of flowers, shrubs, and other growing things. Each one is different from every other one, varying in size, shape, and color. It takes all of the trees to fill the forests of the world, and every one is uniquely suited for the purpose it was meant to fulfill.
Children can see the physical attributes of different races, but they don't know anything about prejudice unless they learn it from someone else. By making diversity an important part of the classroom experience, kids can be guided toward a better, more peaceful world where everyone is on the same team and share the same goals for the future of mankind.
