Top tips: Celebrating difference
Every child is unique, and our differences are something to celebrate. Help children recognise and celebrate differences in positive ways, from hair and skin colour to languages, families, abilities, interests, cultures and traditions. Create an environment where children feel proud of who they are, see themselves reflected in their surroundings and learn to appreciate the wonderful differences in others. Our top tips offer practical ways to create an inclusive setting, where every child feels valued, represented, respected and that they truly belong.
Top tips for celebrating difference
- Use positive, inclusive language and talk about differences naturally and positively
- Make diversity part of everyday practice, making sure celebrations go beyond celebrating difference on special days or during themed weeks. Include diverse people, families, cultures and experiences throughout your everyday books, songs, play and conversations
- Talk about difference openly. Children naturally notice differences. Rather than avoiding the conversation, respond positively and simply: “Yes, people have different skin colours. Isn’t it great that we are all different?”
- Celebrate languages. Learn and use key words from the languages spoken by children and families in your setting. Display words, sing songs and encourage children and families to share their languages
- Be curious by encouraging children to ask questions about difference. Model respectful curiosity and use simple, factual language rather than making assumptions. Encourage children to describe themselves using the language that has value for them
- Reflect the children and families in your community by finding out what is important to your children and families. Include their languages, celebrations, foods, music, photographs and experiences
- Check your environment by taking a look around your nursery and asking yourself: Can every child see themselves represented here? Consider your dolls, small-world figures, posters, puzzles, books, role-play resources and displays
- Children learn from the adults around them so be a role model by showing respect, kindness and genuine interest in people who may have different experiences from your own
- Talk about similarities too – celebrating difference doesn’t mean focusing only on what makes us different. Help children recognise that although we may look, communicate or live differently, we also have lots in common.
NDNA products to support you with these top tips
Quality teaching in the early years – Face-to-face training
Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.
- MyNDNA
- Tips
