Thursday Tip 7- No matter what you teach, talk about the importance of embracing diversity.

As a mom and a teacher, this past year brought a lot of uncertainties and anxiety about my kid’s education. Are they learning enough? Will they be at their reading level next year? etc. When I manage to relax and see the silver lining, I focus on what’s most important. I want my kids to be healthy, happy, and kind. So, during story time with my son, and almost every day with my students, we have conversations about embracing diversity. Not tolerating it. Not accepting it. Embracing it.

Why is this important? Well, it teaches kids, at a young age, that when we encounter people that are different from us, this is an opportunity to learn and grow. We don’t have to agree or accept, we don’t have to do as they do. Yet, their ideas and lifestyles put a mirror on us and help us evaluate our values and decisions. Observing other people, listening to their ideas, and considering them, expand our brains and make us kinder.

One of the best ways to do this with children is through books. Stories enable them to see human-like experiences and perceive them as genuine. Kids can learn about and empathize with people that are different from them. My first book, “Omar, el jaguar” is about a jaguar who learns to value the differences between him and his friends. Even though these are animals, kids are still able to live and analyze the situation expressing their feelings and thoughts about it. So, no matter what your subject matter is or what ages you teach (it is never too early), offer opportunities to have conversations about diversity and rest assured you are making a huge impact in their education.