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...
BOOKS:
I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr
Parker Looks Up An Extraordinary Momenty
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
I Like Berries Do You Special Needs Collection
First Look At Everybody Matters Respect For Others
It's OK to be Different A Children's Picture Book About Diversity and Kindnessl
Just Ask Be Different Be Brave Be You
The World needs More Purple People
One Big Heart Educator's Guide A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different
Here We Are Notes For Living on Planet Earth
Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History
— Contributed by Jill Gerson, a Begin TO ECSEL educator
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