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Dealing with Diversity Intro Every child must learn that he or she has a treasure within -- his or her own unique self. Each child brings to the world its own gifts, its own perspective, its own unique fount of creativity. Our children are one of our most precious resources. How sad then that so many children are taught to simply be carbon copies, replicas of some other child or adult -- their unique gifts forever hidden under layers of "put on" behavior and affected beliefs. Teaching children to love and respect the unique self within them, and within others, can help us preserve this natural resource of joy and creativity. We must remember however, that this respect for diversity must extend not only to personality differences, but to physical differences, various so-called "impairments", as well as to racial, ethnic, linguistic, and religious differences. As teachers, parents, and caregivers we set the standard in our homes and classrooms. What will we model to the children? An acceptance and celebration of diversity.... or an unquestioning assumption that our own culture, language, religion, and outlook is best?
Articles
Cultural Diversity In The Classroom From Teacher Talk magazine. Read this introductory article first, then try their exercise on cultural diversity. Click on the table of contents button for further articles on this topic.
Inclusion and Disability Awareness Training for Educators
Beyond the Journal—Young Children on the Web September 2006, “The Universal Design of Early Education: Moving Forward for All Children.” www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200609
Useful Links
Tolerance of Other Cultures and Races
Respectful, accurate information about Native Americans. Stresses the importance of teaching about and depicting present day Native Americans rather than simply presenting the historical and fictional images. Also emphasizes the cultural diversity of Native American tribes. Great source for posters, children's books, multimedia materials, as well as recommended resources for teachers. Contains reviews of which books aimed at children are inaccurate and problematic as sound teaching tools.
From the N.E.S. Articles and publications dealing with a variety of topics, including handling racism in schools.
From the Busy Teacher's Website. Includes lesson plans and excellent links to a variety of relevant organizations.
First hand accounts from slaves and slave traders. Edited by Steven Mintz, University of Houston. Sobering food for thought about where prejudice has sometimes led our species. An overview of African American history, from the beginning of the slave raids through the civil rights movement. From World Book. Includes a slide show.
Disability Awareness The NICHCY listing of Resources You Can Use provides just a sample of selected materials available from different organizations. They have arranged the material into 5 categories: curriculum, books, children's books, videos, and posters and other promotional merchandise -- including shirts, bumper stickers, etc.
Disability Awareness & Inclusion
Provides information about and demonstrates effective practices of inclusive education programs for children from birth to eight. www.circleofinclusion.org
Community Resources for Independence
Helpful for teaching awareness/sensitivity; go
to “Disability etiquette.”
Searches the Web for sites that provide information about disabilities and suggest activities for classroom use. www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson115.shtml
Kid’s Quest on Disability and Health Full of disability-related activities for children. www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/kids/default.htm
The NAEYC endorses DEC/CEC’s position statement on inclusion as a value and supports the right of all children, regardless of their diverse abilities, to participate actively in natural settings within their communities: www.naeyc.org/about/positions/pdf/PSINC98.pdf
National Coalition on Auditory Processing Disorders Offers simulations for experiencing auditory processing difficulties. www.ncapd.org
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
Gives information on children with
disabilities, IDEA, and more.
This companion to the PBS special on learning differences and disabilities offers information and simulations on a variety of learning disabilities. www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodminds
Provides simulations for experiencing ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Asperger’s (a milder form of autism). www.pediatricneurology.com/adhd2.htm
MORE
Check our curriculum page for more resources.
Spiritual
Tolerance & Diversity
Books
Appreciating
diversity is the underlying theme
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