Accepting Differences

Our schools are becoming more and more diverse. Helping students realize the worth and value of every child is an important component of the teaching process.

1.	The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario has a wonderful program called “Erasing Prejudice For Good.” It lists books and activities to support the elimination of discrimination and the acceptance of all people.
2.	Create a "Personal Rights and Responsibilities" list with the students. Talk about the rights that they are entitled to and the responsibilities they have as members of the school community. This ties in well with issues of bullying in that students have the right to be free from bullying and also the responsibility to ensure others are not bullied.
3.	Make a Venn diagram. Group the students in pairs. Have them put information in the Venn diagram related to likes, dislikes, favourite things to do, sports etc. Have them look at how they’re different and yet have a lot in common.. Have them write a simple poem called “We’re different and yet we’re the same.” (Student’s name) likes ___________ And I like _____________________ But we both like ________________ We’re different and yet we’re the same. (Student’s name) has ___________ And I have ___________________ But we both have ______________ We’re different and yet we’re the same.