Different Is Delightful

Explicit celebration of differences builds inclusive mindsets and prepares children to navigate an increasingly diverse world with respect and curiosity.

Framework: EYFS
Unit: EYFS Champions of Character
Learning area: Communication and Language
Level: EYFS 3-4

Objectives

Learn about different abilities, appearances, and backgrounds
Celebrate differences as valuable
Ask respectful questions about differences

Materials

Diverse books
Culture sharing materials
Ability awareness books
World map

Instructions

Read a book celebrating differences—whether cultural, ability-based, family structure, or appearance differences. Discuss: 'What made the characters different from each other? Was that a problem or something interesting?'

Introduce the phrase: 'Different is delightful!' Practise saying it together. Explain: 'When we meet people who are different from us, we get to learn new things! Differences make the world more interesting!'

Share examples of differences from your own life: 'I grew up eating different foods than you might eat at home. My friend uses a wheelchair because her legs work differently than mine. My neighbor speaks Spanish at home.'

Discuss how to ask about differences respectfully: 'It's okay to be curious! We can ask questions kindly: 'Could you tell me about your wheelchair?' 'What language are you speaking?' 'What holiday is that?' Questions show we're interested!'

Create a 'Celebrate Differences' display where children can share things that make them unique—languages spoken at home, family traditions, abilities, interests. Each difference is labelled as 'delightful!'

Address inappropriate comments or questions kindly: 'That's a great thing to be curious about! Let's think of a kind way to ask about it.'

Educator tip

Children are naturally curious about differences. Channel curiosity toward respect rather than suppressing questions. Teach HOW to ask rather than teaching that difference is a topic to avoid.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe language about differences (positive vs. negative), respectful curiosity, and celebration of diverse attributes.