Hey mamas, this past week I spent the week near Chicago at the Children’s Spirituality Summit. We had a keynote speaker, Dr. Henry Zonio, who spoke about diversity, children, and faith. It really made me think and pray.
It also reminded me that I wanted to introduce you to my new friend, Sara Chinakwe, who is fighting the good fight to help those who work with children teach diversity. She took some time to write something for you to help you use play to teach diversity. Enjoy!
Hi Created to Play Community! My name is Sara Chinakwe, and I’m an author, Christian children’s book writer, and speaker. It’s my mission to help parents and educators learn and implement strategies for promoting diversity in their spaces. Whether you’re a caregiver or an educator, you may want to expose your children to more diversity but aren’t sure how.
Why is it important to expose children to diversity early?
Exposing children to diversity from an early age offers numerous benefits:
- It helps them develop empathy and respect for differences.
- It fosters a broader worldview and appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions.
- By embracing diversity through play, children learn to appreciate the richness of various cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
- This lays the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate future.
Incorporating Diversity into Play:
- Multicultural Toys and Play Materials: Introduce dolls, puppets, and other play materials that represent various races, ethnicities, abilities, and family structures. This promotes positive self-image and encourages children to explore and appreciate different
backgrounds. - Storytelling and Books: Share stories and books that celebrate diverse characters, cultures, and experiences. Engaging narratives can spark meaningful conversations and foster understanding among children.
- Music and Dance: Incorporate music and dance from around the world into playtime activities. These artistic expressions not only bring joy but also provide a window into different cultures and traditions.
- Cooperative Games and Collaborative Play: Encourage cooperative games and collaborative play experiences that promote teamwork, communication, and respect for one another’s unique strengths and perspectives.
- Inclusive Language and Representation: Be mindful of using inclusive language and representation in your play spaces. Ensure that all children feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their backgrounds or identities.
Caregivers and educators, you play a vital role in cultivating an inclusive play environment. As children of God, created in His image, we each possess unique qualities that contribute to the beautiful diversity of the body of Christ. By modeling acceptance, celebrating differences, and actively engaging in diverse play experiences, you have the opportunity to create safe and welcoming spaces for all children to thrive. This not only nurtures a sense of belonging but also instills the biblical values of love, unity, and appreciation for God’s masterful design in diversity.
Sara Chinakwe’s Bio
Sara Chinakwe mother, early childhood educator, and award winning author of You Come From
Greatness. Sara nurtures faith, celebrates diversity, and inspires children in Christ’s love.
Help your Child learn more about Black History, with these free Montessori Matching Cards!
Link to cards: www.sarachinakwe.com
Contact Sara here:
www.facebook.com/author.sarachinakwe
Join me on social media:
