How to Teach about Equality, Diversity and Compassion in an Engaging Way ❤

Hey there friends, 

    Are you looking for ways to teach about equality, diversity and compassion in an engaging way that resonates with your young students? These conversations and lessons breed confidence and worth in our students and help them own their identity and love who they are. Being culturally responsive inside and outside our classroom will increase our students trust and relationship with us and also provide them with effective tools to use when faced with adversity. 

When I want to talk to students about important and possibly sensitive topics I have a few approaches that I take, that lead to successful conversations. 

1. I like to talk in a community circle or group on the carpet. I like getting down with my kiddos on the floor. I think when we are grouped together as one, it feels more comfortable and kids are more apt to share, communicate, and ask what is on their minds.
2. I also try to share a personal experience on the topic. When that doesn’t lend itself, I share my feelings, hopes, worries, frustrations, with my perspective. When doing this it is important to not portray your feelings as the right way, but as an opinion… your unique perspective based on your personal experiences. Make sure to let kiddos know that their views, ideas and questions may differ from yours. 
3. I like to use mentor texts or educational videos as a foundation to inspire conversations, as well as to bring up questions. The goal of  teaching about equality, diversity and compassion is to engage students in these important conversations and to keep those conversations going, so they can lead to action. 
   
4. I also allow myself to be emotional. There are topics that I cannot simply shut down the way I feel and I believe that is ok. In my experience this has helped my students to connect with me and to realize that it’s an important topic that stirs up emotions in people.  
5. Last, but not least. There is no wrong time to talk about equality, diversity and showing compassion for others. As I said above, the more we talk, the more these words become a part of our everyday language and then these words can be transformed into positive action.   

    These are some of the resources that I have used that not only speak to equality, diversity and compassion, but also hit on the learning standards of central message, author’s purpose, lesson, moral, retell and text connections. These resources have conversation starters, comprehension activities, parent connection support, as well as mentor posters, mini-lesson ideas and other fun extensions for writing and art. 

Again, these are my ideas on how to teach about equality, diversity and compassion in an engaging way. I am always open to hear other’s ideas and perspectives. That is truly how we grow as educators, learners and leaders. 

Have a great week,