Supporting Children’s Understanding About Diversity

Reflection Article

In this chapter, the writer Ranita Cheruvu beautifully explained how the minds of
children process diversity among people, by giving a classroom scenario where
students are asking questions about each other’s differences. The term diversity is
often used to refer to people who look, speak, or act in ways that are different from
what is considered the social norm.
The writer is of the view that we should expose children to the diversity among us
and let them understand the differences between people of different colors,
ethnicity, or country. Though many can argue against it, in my opinion, this could
be a great way to help children have clarity in their thought and analyze their
preconceived ideas about diversity. The chapter tells us that children learn best
when they are given opportunities to construct their ideas. It also tells us to allow
children to express their ideas and help them reach a new understanding of the
richness of human diversity.
I really liked how this chapter told us the actual ways how it can be done. It
explains the use of classroom materials, avoiding stereotypical representations of
groups and interaction of children with people from a wide range of backgrounds,
etc.
The chapter at the end tells us that higher-level questioning and critical thinking
are essential to expanding children’s understanding of diversity.

If children are always told to focus more on similarities, we are, in a way,

stigmatizing the differences among us. With the ever-increasing diversity in
America, we must start helping children appreciate the beauty in the diversity of
mankind. The writer’s recommendation at the end can work miracles to solve the
socioracial issues for upcoming generations.