1. Talking About Acceptance

2. Similarities and Differences

3. n make early observations of racial cues n form basic concepts about other people n engage in conceptual differentiation through action n recognize the permanency of characteristics (cues remain constant - skin color will not change) n understand group concepts n elaborate group concepts From ages 2 through 5 or 6, children... Developmental Tasks

4. children are learning the appropriate use of the gender labels (girl, boy) and learning color names, which they begin to apply to skin color By age 2...

5. n notice gender and racial differences n influenced by societal norms and biases n may exhibit "pre-prejudice" toward others n gender n race n being differently-abled. By age 3...

6. n Will I always be a girl or boy? n If I like to climb trees, do I become a boy? n If I like to play with dolls, do I become a girl? n What gives me my skin color? n Can I change it? n If I interact with a child who has a physical disability, will I get it? n Will I always need a prosthesis in place of my arm? Children try to figure out aspects of self that remain constant. They wonder: Between 3 and 5 years of age...

7. By 4 or 5 years of age... n engage in gender-specific behavior n reinforce that behavior among themselves n use racial reasons for refusing to interact n exhibit discomfort and rejection of differently-abled people.

8. Five-year olds... n have established sex identity and constancy n may no have accurate information about gender anatomy. n learned the societal embarrassment about gender anatomy, n try to see or play with each others' genitalia.

9. Five-year olds... are curious and want information about how babies are born.

10. Parents Can Help Children Deal With Differences n Respond promptly n Give simple answers n Use the right words

11. Parents Can Help Children Deal With Differences n Model respectful behavior, both verbally and nonverbally n Acknowledge children's fears n Introduce differences through books

12. Parents Can Help Children Deal With Differences n Be sensitive to the unasked questions n Actions speak louder than words

13. Questions or Comments?