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It's Just For Fun Friday! On JFFF, we review items and activities that you can do with your kids in order to increase their cultural competence and diversity awareness. This book holds a very special place in my heart. When my older child, my son, was born, I vowed to read books to him every night. I read the same two books to him for the first 18 (or so) months of his life. This was one of those books. Part of the reason that I picked it was because of the fantastic diversity throughout the book. Not just of skin color, but also region, country, and culture. The lovely theme of this book is that we have similarities that all bind us together as people, even though we may look different on the outside. So I read it every night until he was old enough to switch things up a bit and choose his own books. I still get incredibly nostalgic when he, or his little sister, pick this book to read at night. I could read it every night until they are 18 - I will never tire of it. So, check out the video and then print out the page below for a quick list of potential questions, comments, and activities as you and your child read this book together. I have a great movie recommendation as a complement to this book. Just be sure that you have tissues - it's not a sad movie, but it is incredibly touching. I may or may not have cried through most of it (to be fair - I was pregnant at the time) There is also a link to buy this lovely book. What books are special treasures for you and your kids? Are those books with some great diversity? What book recommendations do you have for the CCK community? Leave a comment below. Most of all, enjoy. And don't forget to HAVE FUN! 
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It's Just For Fun Friday! On JFFF, we review items and activities that you can do with your kids in order to increase their cultural competence and diversity awareness. We're back to another great book. This one was sent to us by DC's Books From Birth program through DC Public Libraries. If you live in Washington, DC and have a child under age 5, be sure to check it out. They sent us this book a few months ago and it instantly became a household favorite. It is a fantastic story about a Hindu God, called Ganesha, and how an epic Hindu poem came to be written. I loved the story and how relatable it is for kids, but it's the illustrations that really captured my attention. Deep blues, vivid pinks, bright oranges. The pictures are gorgeous! Be sure to spend extra time with your little one marveling at the stunning visuals in this book. Check out the video and then print out the page below for a quick list of potential questions, comments, and activities as you and your child read this book together. There is also a link to buy this fantastic book (or if you're in DC - sign up for the program and they might send it to you!) Are you familiar with the Hindu religion and Hindu culture? If not, what did you learn? How do you think the illustrations really bring this story to life? Leave a comment below. Most of all, enjoy. And don't forget to HAVE FUN!
Check back next week for another Just For Fun Friday!
It's Just For Fun Friday! On JFFF, we review items and activities that you can do with your kids in order to increase their cultural competence and diversity awareness. This week's item is so unique and special that as soon as I discovered it, I knew I had to share it with you all. It's a series of dolls called Hope Toys. These are not just any old doll. All of the dolls have some form of physical disability. Some children use walkers, some are in wheelchairs, others have prosthetic limbs. In addition to showcasing children with disabilities, the dolls come in a variety of skin colors. So they really represent actual people in the real world who just happen to have physical disabilities. The reason that I love this item so much is that kids learn so much through play. With these dolls they can incorporate people with physical differences into the worlds that they create. Those worlds can now be truly reflective of the people that they see around them. And also through this play, children can learn that kids with disabilities are just like them. They can still be friends and play together. What an amazing lesson to teach. Also, these dolls allow for children who have physical disabilities to have toys that are representative of who they are. Having a 3- and 6-year-old, I visit many toy stores and I don't know that I've ever seen a doll with a disability on the shelves. What a gift to be able to give children with disabilities a toy that looks and operates just like they do. No matter who you are, you need a toy that represents you - whatever that may look like. Check out the video and then print out the page below for a quick list of potential questions, comments, activities and games to engage in as you and your child play with these fantastic toys. Below is a link to the Hope Toys website so you can check out the options and perhaps add one to your collection. Have you ever seen a doll with a disability in a toy store? If so, which one? Did you buy it? Why or why not? If you have an able-bodied child, do you think they would enjoy playing with these dolls? Why or why not? Leave a comment below. Most of all, enjoy. And don't forget to HAVE FUN!
Check back next week for another Just For Fun Friday!
It's Just For Fun Friday! On JFFF, we review items and activities that you can do with your kids in order to increase their cultural competence and diversity awareness. Last week, we talked about someone who has been around for awhile - love Dora! - but this week we're talking about a new fabulous Latina. And frankly - she kicks butt. This new show on Disney Junior is called Elena of Avalor and it's absolutely fantastic. It is my daughter's new favorite show and, I admit, I love to watch it too. Elena is a crown princess who seeks counsel and wisdom from friends and family. She is a ruler who takes her job very seriously - she's not just waiting for some man to tell her what to do. Such a fantastic role model for girls - and boys - of all races. And she speaks Spanish too! Check out the video and then print out the page below for a quick list of potential questions, comments, and activities to talk about and engage in as you watch this great new show together. There's also a link to get more from Elena. What do you think about Disney finally giving us a Latina princess? Is Elena a good role model? Why or why not? Leave a comment below. Most of all, enjoy. And don't forget to HAVE FUN!
Check back next week for another Just For Fun Friday!
It's Just For Fun Friday! On JFFF, we review items and activities that you can do with your kids in order to increase their cultural competence and diversity awareness. I'm pretty sure most of you reading this have at least heard of Dora. Dora the Explorer on Nick Junior is a great show where a little girl goes on wonderful adventures with her friends. The fact that she is Latina and does not wear clothes that exhibit gender stereotypes feels almost like an afterthought. I love how they incorporate Spanish words throughout in a way that even the littlest fans can understand. If you check out the video - you'll get an example of this from my preschool teacher days (a loooonnnnggg time ago - Dora's been around for awhile!). Check out the video and then print out the page below for a quick list of potential questions, comments, and activities to engage in with your kids as you watch Dora. There's also a link to watch some episodes. Remember, the show is on Nick Junior. Have you ever watched Dora with your kids? What is your favorite aspect of the show? Has the show inspired interest in learning another language? Did you encourage this in your child? Leave a comment below. Most of all, enjoy. And don't forget to HAVE FUN!
Check back next week for another Just For Fun Friday!
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About Just For Fun!
This is the place to go to develop your child's cultural competence while still having fun! If you know that your child needs this essential 21st century skill, but find it so overwhelming, you are in the right place. Using everyday items and activities, you can increase the diversity awareness in your home. It's Just For Fun! Never Miss a Post! Sign Up For Our Newsletter Today!
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