Running head: TEACHING CHILDREN TOLERANCE 1

Starting Small: Teaching Children Tolerance

Ramona Torres-Martinez
Fresno Pacific University

ECD Cohort 85
ECD 310
Instructor: Tina Najarian
October 12th, 2016

The information presented in the video emphasized the significance of children learning

about diversity at an early age. The earlier that the children are taught about diversity in their

school and community the easier it will be for them to demonstrate equality and respect for

others with differences. The video also discussed the meaningful roles that teachers play in

educating children about tolerance and acceptance of diversity. It is important for teachers to

model acceptance of diversity for the children in various ways. The classroom environment and

social interactions with peers is also important in helping children learn and develop skills that

facilitate tolerance for the difference and similarities of their classmates. Teaching children that

diversity and tolerance are positive can influence their perspective and respect for the people in
TEACHING CHILDREN TOLERANCE 2

their community. Teaching children about acceptance, respect, and friendships establishes the

foundation for tolerance in a childs life. The tolerance foundations established on an early age

will provide the children with skills to manage diversity experiences in their adult life. The

video also presented useful strategies and classroom activities implemented by different teachers

to create an anti-bias environment in the classroom and increase the tolerance for diversity.
One of the activities presented in the video that I found interesting was teaching the

children recognize and discuss that skin colors are different and make a person unique. By

teaching children that not every skin colors fits under the stereotypical labels of light and dark

skin helps children to become aware of the individuality of others and in themselves. Another

important concept of diversity is educating children tolerance for people with disabilities. The

video mentions the significance of children recognizing and accepting the people have other

differences besides skins, hair, and eye color. Teaching children about disabilities make it easier

for children to approach and establish friendships with individuals with a disability because they

have developed a sense of caring and tolerance. It is also important for children to learn about the

many disabilities that classmates or other individuals in the community face because it

encourages children to develop their skills of empathy and kindness.

In one of the classrooms presented in the video the children were learning how to be

respectful and caring for each other by following specific classroom rules. The children had

learned productive ways to problem solve problems with classmates instead of being hurtful.

They had also learned that they had to show respect for other children in the classroom and use

friendly language to communicate with others.

The information and activities introduced in the video were significant because as I

viewed the video, I realized that I could be doing more in the classroom to teach my young

student about diversity. The information in the video made me more aware that diversity can be
TEACHING CHILDREN TOLERANCE 3

taught to young children in more than one way and that children need the experience of diversity

to develop tolerance.