Goals and Objectives
From as early as 6 months of age, babies are able to recognise differences in skin colour. By grade school age, children begin to figure out that skin colour has an associated meaning (as a result of questions from other children, information in mainstream media, or other daily interactions). Combined, these interactions begin to shape their notion of race, influencing how they see, understand, and treat others.
Having early, honest, and age-appropriate conversations about race (and other types of differences) are essentials to how children make sense of the world around them.
Diverse books are a powerful tool for starting and continuing the conversation about race because they:
- Show children diversity early
- Feature diverse children and families in everyday life
- Help instill pride and confidence in children of colour
- Address fairness and discrimination
- Discuss and address racial bullying
- Help children become allies
- Inspire children to change the world
The combination of books and manipulatives in each kit is intended to provide a discussion focus and a starting point for your family and/or classroom to have open, positive discussions about race and racial identity.