We created a poster showing that ALL children can be friends, no matter what they look like. We must learn to judge people on their character and NOT the color of their skin.
Another activity we tried was to experience first hand what discrimination FEELS like. 'NOT ALLOWED' signs were posted around at the various centers basically excluding a group of children (no boys, no girls, no blue pants, no boots, etc...) The children who were playing in those centers were allowed to tell those other children they couldn't play:(
Of course, when you're 4 and you know you're playing pretend, it seems silly. However, we had a great discussion afterward about HOW it FEELS to be excluded and how it is NOT ok.
The pictures don't do it justice without sound attached, but it gives you an idea of what we were up to.
We have also been engaged in discussions about the importance of "standing up" for friends who are being mistreated or excluded. If we are witness to inappropriate actions, it is our duty to speak up. If we could raise a new generation of children with this mindset, the future could change in a positive direction. Peer pressure is a real problem and the only way to squelch it is to teach our little citizens these powerful lessons-of-life.
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