As children grow older, they begin to realize that all people are different. Diversity is an important part of our communities and it’s important to teach children about understanding and appreciating diversity. Inclusion is the state of being included and a part of something.

As children go off to school, it’s helpful to support them in being aware of diversity and inclusion so that everyone is a part of the community. Check out these engaging activities to teach children about diversity and inclusion.

Teaching Children Inclusion 

1. ‘Makaton’

Children with speech and language difficulties, as well as people diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) often find social, emotional, and communication situations difficult. Makaton is a communication system that some people with ASD use to interact with others.

• Together with your child, learn the Makaton signs for some common phrases (hello, goodbye, thank you, how are you?). Encourage them to try using them to communicate with classmates and family or friends who are on the Autism spectrum. 

2. ‘Being a supportive friend’

Explore mental illness in young people and talk to your child about what it might look like. Sometimes it is hard to tell when someone has a mental illness.

• Can your child think of supportive statements they could say to a friend who might be finding things overwhelming?
• E.g. I am here if you want to talk? Is there anything I can do to help? Would you like me to get an adult for you?
• Ask your child to write these down to remind themselves to use them in these situations. 

Teaching Kids about Diversity

3. ‘Gender diversity’

Ask your child to identify gender diversity by looking through any old magazines, watching TV advertisements, or even their favorite films!

• Are there examples of challenging gender stereotypes? How many can they find? Is that enough or should there be more examples? Can they also find examples of older movies and comics that only show traditional gender stereotypes?
• Collect and sort those that do challenge gender stereotypes and those that do not.

4. ‘Same on the inside’

Social justice means that everybody should have the same rights no matter what their age, gender, religion, disability, or race.

• Collect fruits or vegetables that you have in the house, like carrots for example. 
• Encourage your child to look carefully at each carrot, what do they notice on each one? What about their shape? Are there any identifying marks?
• Under supervision, ask your child to peel all the carrots.
• What do they notice now?… Everybody is the same on the inside and should be treated in the same way.

5. ‘A helping hand’

Talk to your child about discrimination and what it means. How does it make someone feel when others are being mean to them because of the way they look? Ask, “Have you ever seen anyone being discriminated against?”

• • Encourage your child to think of ways that you can help when you see someone being discriminated against. How can you help them feel included or supported?
  • Draw around your hand and for each finger, write one thing that you could do to help.

Teaching Diversity and Inclusion with Lingokids

Part of our curriculum goals at Lingokids is to help children learn about social and emotional intelligence, which includes understanding citizenship! Together, we can all help raise amazing kids. Interested in learning more about how you can teach your kids about diversity and inclusion with Lingokids? Download the app and explore all out interactive games, songs, and videos! Plus, check out our content on our YouTube channels.

Let us know how you teach your little one about diversity and inclusion by tagging us on our social media channel!