Wouldn't this world be such a great place if we celebrated our differences? What if we tried to find friends who were different from us? How would our understanding of things change?
The world is a diverse place and there are differences all around us. People look, act, speak, and dress differently. We eat different foods, live in different types of houses and even have different ideas about how the world works. Even though there are all of these differences, one thing always stays the same, we are all humans.
When we take the time to learn and understand different cultures and ideas, we become more understanding. We become more empathetic. Our fear of the unknown diminishes and we are able to take on a new perspective.
Through storytelling, we can teach our children early on that our differences are a good thing. That we should celebrate these differences. Even though we may be different from others or someone may be different from us, we can still have things in common and build relationships. We can learn new things from others and when we learn new things, a whole new world opens up to us.
Here are 6 books to read with your child to introduce them to this topic:
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson can help children to realize that even though you may be new and/or different, others have similar experiences to share.
In The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania, Salma and Lily are best friends. They do everything together. There is one difference, the food that they eat at lunch. Read this book to find out what happens between these two friends.
My Two Blankets by Irena Kobald is a story about Cartwheel and her auntie moving to a new country. Everything is strange to her. She is comforted by her old blanket in this new place. On a walk with her auntie, a girl her age gets her attention and they build a wonderful friendship.
Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina takes us on the journey of Mia, her far-away grandmother, and a parrot named Mango. Mia and her Abuela don't speak the same language. Despite this set back, they learn to enjoy the company of each other and be patient.
Last Stop On Market Street by Matt De La Pena
Every Sunday CJ and his grandma take the bus across town. This day he has a lot of questions for his grandma. She answers his questions and helps him see the beauty where you may least expect it.
I Am Human by Susan Verde helps us to see that mistakes are a normal part of being human. At the same time it teaches us how we can be empathetic.
Share this Post