Discover the best resources for teaching kids about diversity and inclusion, from books and toys to shows, apps, and everyday habits.
So you’ve committed to raising inclusive kids and now you’re asking, “Okay, how do I actually do this?”
Mama, I’ve been there. And let me just say – you don’t have to figure it all out at once. What matters is starting somewhere and building from there.
In this guide, I’m sharing the resources I’ve found most helpful for teaching kids about diversity and inclusion, the kind that spark curiosity, empathy, and those wonderful little “a-ha” moments that stay with them for life.
You don’t need a lesson plan. You just need intention. Let’s dive in.
Books That Celebrate Diversity
Books are where the magic starts. They create safe spaces to talk about everything from race to language to family structure. Here are some must-haves:
“All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold – A beautifully illustrated school day that celebrates inclusion in every form.
“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi – A powerful story about identity and learning to love your roots.
“Sulwe” by Lupita Nyong’o – Touches on colorism, self-love, and embracing beauty in every shade.
“Thank You, Omu!” by Oge Mora – A heartwarming tale of community and sharing across cultures.
“The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson – For kids who’ve ever felt different or left out.
Want more ideas? Build a little home library of stories from around the world. Choose books where your child doesn’t always see themselves because that’s where empathy begins.
Toys, Dolls, and Playsets with Representation
Let’s normalize diversity in the toy box. When our kids play with dolls, action figures, or characters that look different from them, it builds comfort and familiarity.
Look for:
– Diverse dolls with different skin tones, hair textures, and cultural dress (Miniland and Little Like Me are great brands).
– World map puzzles and globe toys to introduce geography with context.
– Multicultural paper doll kits or figurines to inspire imaginative play that reflects the real world. Play isn’t just play – it’s practice for how they see and interact with people.
Music, Podcasts & Global Storytelling
If your kids love music or Storytime (and who doesn’t?), here’s how to sneak in some global magic:
-“Circle Round” podcast – Adapts folk tales from all over the world for young listeners.
– YouTube songs in other languages – Try greetings, lullabies, or holiday songs from other countries.
– Family playlist parties – Play music from different cultures while cooking or cleaning. Talk about the instruments, the language, the rhythm.
The goal? Making “different” sound normal.
Food as a Cultural Bridge
If you’ve got a picky eater, this might be your superpower. Cooking dishes from other cultures is a sensory way to introduce kids to new traditions.
Try these:
– A family “culture night” where you pick a country and make a meal together.
– Watch a short video about that country’s traditions while dinner cooks.
– Talk about why food is so tied to family and celebrations.
And let’s be real, sometimes they’ll only nibble the rice and that’s okay. The exposure is what counts.
Holidays & Traditions That Expand Their View
You don’t have to celebrate a holiday to acknowledge and learn about it.
Explore:
– Lunar New Year – Make paper lanterns and learn the zodiac story.
– Diwali – Decorate with rangoli chalk art and talk about light vs. darkness.
– Juneteenth – Read books about African American history and why freedom is worth celebrating.
– Hanukkah, Eid, Kwanzaa, Día de los Muertos – Keep it simple. Focus on the meaning, not perfection.
These celebrations don’t erase your own traditions , they add richness to your family’s perspective.
Screens That Teach the Right Messages
We don’t always have time for a teachable moment, and that’s where media can help, when it’s thoughtfully chosen.
Look for shows like:
– “Mira, Royal Detective” – Based in India and full of cultural themes.
– “Ada Twist, Scientist” – Diverse cast, STEM themes, girl empowerment.
– “Waffles + Mochi” – A food adventure that teaches about culture and kindness.
– “Puffin Rock” – Soft and sweet with Irish roots.
Choose shows where your kids see all kinds of families, languages, and life experiences.
Apps and Games That Grow Global Kids
Tech isn’t the enemy if it’s used well. These apps offer fun + learning:
-Duolingo Kids – Fun intro to new languages with kid-friendly interface.
– Gus on the Go – Language basics with stories, animals, and songs.
-Tinybop Explorer’s Library – Apps that explore homes, people, and cities around the world.
Make screen time feel like passport time.
Everyday Habits That Make the Difference
No need to buy a thing. These habits build cultural awareness every single day:
– Say “hello” and “thank you” in different languages.
– Look up the origin of a family’s name at school.
– Ask thoughtful questions when your child notices something new – “What do you think that means?”
– Point out how people dress, eat, or celebrate differently and talk about why.
Diversity shouldn’t be a one-time conversation. It should be part of your rhythm.
And remember mama: this isn’t about raising perfect kids. It’s about raising kind, curious, thoughtful ones.
If you missed our first post on why cultural inclusivity matters, you can read it RIGHT HERE
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