In times of public divisiveness, children often turn to their families to decide how to think about differences. They may want to know who is right and who is wrong, particularly if they hear others talking about issues in these binary terms. If we want kids to think beyond these simplistic assessments and appreciate others’ perspectives – even when they disagree – then we need to talk with them about diverse viewpoints.
The Truth About Dragons, by Julie Leung, provides a great launch pad for such conversations. Set as a bedtime story for a young child of mixed race ancestry, this tale explores two cultural ways of understanding dragons and invites children to explore their differences. Read the story together and use one or more of the following activities to help kids ages 4+ approach different perspectives with curiosity.
Questing. The child in the story is invited to embark on a quest to learn about their heritage. They travel through two very different forests that represent their family’s two primary cultures. Invite children to think about the many cultures represented by their friends and neighbors. Draw pictures together of ‘forests’ that include things from those cultures. Imagine the smells and sounds that might accompany the images you have drawn.
Dragons. The two grandmothers present quite different ideas about dragons. Invite children to act out their preferred kinds of dragons. They might be similar to one of the images in the book or something else. Ask: Where did your ideas about dragons come from? Why do you prefer your kind of dragon? Encourage them to listen closely to each other, noticing what they have in common and how they differ.
Truth(s). The author suggests that there can be more than one truth about dragons. With older children, wonder together about what makes something ‘true’. Ask: How do you know that something is true? Invite them to name the people and other resources they use to decide what to believe. Then pick a question they want to explore, such as “What causes climate change?” or “What helps people have access to healthy food [a safe place to live, healthcare]?” Do an online search together for information that might answer their question. Model ways of identifying sources and noting different perspectives as you review the data together.
A Secret. The story suggests that even children can explore and decide for themselves what to believe. No one has to accept an idea just because others say it is so. Invite children to participate in a guided meditation. Say: Close your eyes and take a deep breath in (pause) and let it out. (pause) Take another deep breath in (pause) and let it out. (pause) Imagine a friend tells you that another child is ugly and dirty. Your friend thinks that you should not play with them. (pause) What do you think about what your friend is saying? (pause) Why do you think they feel as they do? (pause) How do you want to respond? (pause) Take a deep breath in (pause) and let it out. (pause) Open your eyes when you are ready.
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