Did you know that the origins of Pride Month extend back to the 50s?
Pride Month occurs during the month of June, and it encourages the liberation of the LGBTQ+ community. As educators, it is important to create an inclusive and educated environment for students. Many people don’t know the history behind Pride, so the month of June is the perfect time to inform your students about the significance of Pride for the LGBTQ+ community!
Read on to learn how to educate and explore Pride month with your students.
1) Keep it Simple and Be Positive
It’s important to have conversations about the history of the LGBTQ+ community. However, it’s also crucial to remember that you’re speaking with younger children. Keeping your wording simple and framing the history into a story, makes it easier for a child to understand.
Also, make sure to keep the conversations positive. There are brutal parts to LGBTQ+ history but shining light on the resilience of the community will present as a more positive conversation.
Children playing with blocks
2) Educate Your Children Through Books
Kids love story time. Books are a great way to learn about Pride and highlight inclusivity. Here are three books (perfect for daycare-aged children) that emphasize main characters or friends/family members that are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
Julián at the Wedding by Jessica Love
Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima
3) Make Tissue Paper Rainbows
Tissue paper rainbows are an easy and vibrant craft to celebrate Pride! Although it’s a simple craft, paper rainbows are still a fun way to explore a piece of history and practice developing sensory skills. Some of the skills that your daycare children can learn from this activity are fine motor skills and rainbow order! Here are the materials you need for this activity:
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Paper plates
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Markers in all the colors of the rainbow
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Scissors
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Tissue paper in all the colors of the rainbow
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Glue
Tissue paper rainbow craft
4) Use Rainbow Chalk
Rainbow chalk is a change of pace when it comes to making art. Creativity is important for children.
Sidewalk chalk is a great way to teach your students what the rainbow means for the LGBTQ+ community. Take your students outside for fresh air and a fun time drawing rainbows! Sidewalk chalk drawing helps kids develop color recognition and learn how to sort or match.
Children playing with sidewalk chalk
5) Create A Handprint Rainbow Painting
Children love any reason to get messy! This craft involves paint (make sure you have all the colors of the rainbow), paper, and hands. Make sure you pick non-toxic paint that washes off easily to keep everything fun and safe!
Handprint rainbow craft
6) Craft Sensory Play Kits
Sensory play helps with fine motor skills for child development. It also assists in developing language, cognition, and problem-solving skills. Putting together a rainbow themed sensory play kit could be great for your students.
Rainbow sensory play kits
Celebrate Uniqueness in Your Childcare Centers
As a childcare provider it's vital to celebrate holidays to educate and provide a welcoming environment for your students. With these activities, you can celebrate this vibrant month with all your students.
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