Does anyone know a song or book that promotes equal oppurtunities for a preschool child?

Question

Does anyone know a song or book that promotes equal oppurtunities for a preschool child?

Answer 1

There are many resources available to develop positive images and identities, and prevent stereotyping.

- Books, posters, puzzles, stories can show strong and positive images of adults and children across a range of cultures. The visual image can be as important as the plot – to act against stereotypes. Stories should reflect the cultural diversity of the country you live in, and introduce the child to other countries as well.

- Home corner equipment can be selected to include a variety of toys and materials that children would come across in their own cultures e.g. dressing up clothes from a range of cultures, dolls mixed race, utensils and cutlery common to different cultures.

- Practical activities including painting can enable all children to participate fully and represent themselves and their culture. Skin coloured paints and collage materials could be available for children to choose from.

- Cooking is an ideal opportunity to introduce foods from other cultures. The self-esteem of children from minority cultural groups will be enhanced by the use of food that is familiar to them.

- Music can cut across other barriers to communication such as language differences. The music and songs can reflect a variety of cultures and languages.

- Drama Sessions can be used to explore a variety of cultures and cultural festivals/events. (Resources such as castanets, bongo drums, sari’s, chopsticks/woks, a miniature Christmas tree, a diva lamp, a tartan kilt etc).

I know you asked for specific resources but these are just some general ideas. If you would like to email me that is fine & I can forward you a list of books, songs, equipment, etc. which you should find useful.

Answer 2

A few pre-school books that celebrate self-esteem and diversity.  I Like Me. Mama Zooms. My Friends-(by taro gomi). All the colors.

Songs: How about Mr. Rogers, "Every body's special, Every body's fine. Your body's special and so is mine!"

There's a butterfly on your shoulder. The butterfly has something special to say...  "I'm not a bird or a bee. I'm a butterfly, I'm me."

Happy Singing!