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Teaching Diversity through a Diverse Play Space

January 16, 2021

Young children’s minds are very impressionable and are continuously absorbing the information and imagery presented to them. Embracing every child with the same respect, openness and understanding and encouraging children to then internalize those same qualities as a part of their character is a core component to being a begin to ECSEL educator.

We know young children learn a great deal simply by watching how we interact with others. You, as an important adult in a young child’s life therefore play a pivotal role in helping children receive positive and inclusive views and values in developmentally supportive and appropriate ways.

Young children need guidance from thoughtful adults to help them construct a positive sense of self and a respectful understanding of others. From a very young age, children are exceptionally aware of the differences and lack of differences as well. If we want children to become open-minded, compassionate, accepting, empathetic and understanding adults, we must first model for them what that looks like and provide for them the tools to learn from. For underrepresented children, and children with disabilities, it is equally important to be showing them that they too are represented and valued by the greater world around them. 

It is our responsibility as the key guides and models in a child’s life to ensure that, from the start, children are shown a diverse world and are encouraged to engage in that diverse world. Conversations and education around differences and diversity should never wait until children are older. 

Lessons of empathy and inclusivity for young children start with the important adults in their lives -- the choices we make and the modeling we present all impact the formation of understanding and embracing differences. And what better time to share these lessons of love, empathy, understanding and courage than during a moment when Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a historically diverse presidential inauguration and the beginning of Black History Month all coincide?

The tools ECSEL educators often use to share and create opportunities to discuss differences are books, educational toys, and games. So, below you will find a list of children’s toys, games and books to celebrate diversity of all types while being fun, educational and memorable. Here’s to more diverse play areas and bookshelves and the wonderfully educational conversation, learning and growth that accompany them...

Diverse Toys

Barbie Fasionistas

Barbie Chelsea African doll in wheelchair

 

I Never Forget a Face Game Diverse Matching Game

 

Superhero Diverse Colouring Book I'm a Superhero diverse coloring book
Crayola Colors of the World Crayon Colors of the world skin color crayola crayons skin tones

 

Melissa and Doug Diverse Food Set Melissa and Doug Food Playset Sushi Japan

 

Little Global Citizens Culture Subscription Little Global Citizens Box Mexico Dia De Los Muertos

 

 

BOOKS:

I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr

Not Quite Snow White

Islandborn

Whoever You Are

The Colors of Us

Parker Looks Up An Extraordinary Momenty

The Boy Who Grew Flowers

Everywhere Babies

All The World

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

Besos for Baby

Love Makes a Family

I Like Berries Do You Special Needs Collection

Suki's Kimono

First Look At Everybody Matters Respect For Others

It's OK to be Different A Children's Picture Book About Diversity and Kindnessl

All Are Welcome

Happy In Our Skin

Just Ask Be Different Be Brave Be You

You Matter

The World needs More Purple People

One Big Heart Educator's Guide A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different

The Big Umbrella

Here We Are Notes For Living on Planet Earth

Mae Among the Stars

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea

Ron's Big Mission

Say Hello

Good People Everywhere

The Invisible Boy

Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History

Julian is a Mermaid

Pink is for Boys

Henry's Freedom Box

Everybody Cooks Rice

The Name Jar

Thunder Boy Jr

Mommy's Khimar

— Contributed by Jill Gerson, a Begin TO ECSEL educator

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