Diversity Celebration
To develop understanding and celebration of human diversity including culture, ability, family structure and appearance.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Celebrates differences
- Includes diverse peers
- Asks respectful questions
- Shows understanding of fairness
Materials
- Diverse books and dolls
- Cultural artefacts
- Photos of diverse people
- Mirror
Instructions
CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES: 'Look at all the different people in our group! Some have brown eyes, some have blue. Some hair is straight, some is curly. We're all different and all beautiful!'
READING DIVERSE BOOKS: Share books featuring diverse characters naturally—not as a special event. Diverse representation should be everyday and unremarkable.
ANSWERING QUESTIONS HONESTLY: When children notice differences, answer openly: 'Yes, Omar's skin is darker than yours. People come in lots of beautiful colours, just like flowers in a garden!'
CHALLENGING BIAS: If children make exclusionary comments, address gently but firmly: 'In our class, everyone can play. We include everyone. Different is wonderful, not wrong.'