Teaching Tolerance Anti-bias Framework
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Understanding Tolerance: Empathy and Positive Attitude
Overview
The OER "Understanding Tolerance: Empathy and Positive Attitude" is designed for children aged 4-10 to teach them the importance of tolerance through empathy and maintaining a positive attitude. This resource helps young learners understand and respect differences, fostering a kind and inclusive environment. It includes engaging activities such as storytelling with "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig, role-playing scenarios to practice empathy, and creating gratitude journals and positive affirmations to build a positive outlook. Additionally, it provides practical examples and craft projects like a "Tolerance Tree" to encourage daily acts of kindness. The OER also offers printable activity sheets and resources for parents and teachers to support continuous learning at home and in the classroom. The framework is supported by materials from Learning for Justice and Charity For Change, ensuring a comprehensive and research-backed approach to teaching these essential life skills.
Building a Foundation of Tolerance
Introduction
Hey kids! Today, we’re going to learn about a super important topic called tolerance. Tolerance means accepting and respecting everyone’s differences. It’s about being kind and understanding to others, even if they are different from us. Let’s dive into what empathy and a positive attitude mean, and how they can help us be more tolerant.
What is Tolerance?
Tolerance is like being a superhero friend. Imagine if everyone was the same, it would be so boring! Tolerance makes our world colorful and fun because we get to learn and grow with different kinds of people. It’s about accepting and celebrating these differences.
Understanding Empathy
Empathy is when we try to understand how others feel. Think about a time when you were sad or happy. Now, imagine how your friend might feel in those moments. When we show empathy, we’re saying, “I care about how you feel.”
Example: If your friend falls and hurts their knee, you can show empathy by helping them up and asking if they are okay. You could say, “I’m here for you.”
Activities:
- Story Time: Let’s read "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig. In the story, Brian feels invisible at school. How can we help someone like Brian feel included?
- Role-Playing: Pretend to be different characters. One person shares a story about feeling sad or happy, and others show how they would respond with empathy.
Developing a Positive Attitude
A positive attitude is like a bright sunny day in your mind. It’s all about looking for the good things around you and in other people.
Example: If you didn’t win a game, instead of feeling bad, think about how much fun you had playing and learning new skills.
Activities:
- Gratitude Journal: Every day, draw or write about something that made you happy or something you are thankful for. Maybe it’s a hug from mom or playing with your favorite toy.
- Positive Affirmations: Stand in front of a mirror and say, “I am kind,” “I am a good friend,” and “I love to share.” These words help you feel good about yourself and others.
Practicing Tolerance in Everyday Life
Being tolerant is something we can do every day. It’s in the small things like sharing your toys, listening when someone talks, and being kind.
Example: When you see someone playing alone, invite them to join your game. It makes everyone feel included and happy.
Activities:
- Circle Time Discussion: Let’s talk about a time you were kind to someone or when someone was kind to you. How did it make you feel?
- Craft Project: Create a "Tolerance Tree." Each leaf on the tree represents an act of kindness or a time you were tolerant. Write or draw these acts on paper leaves and stick them on the tree.
Parents and Teachers Corner
For Parents: Encourage open conversations about feelings with your child. Model empathy by showing understanding and respect in your daily interactions. Praise your child when they display tolerant behavior.
For Teachers: Incorporate diverse stories and activities in your classroom that highlight the beauty of different cultures and perspectives. Create a classroom environment where every child feels respected and valued.
Conclusion
Tolerance, empathy, and a positive attitude are the keys to making our world a better place. By understanding and practicing these values every day, we can all become superheroes of kindness and understanding. Remember, every act of kindness makes a big difference!