Here is a quick presentation to introduce Culture & Anti-Bias to young children.
Format: Group Presentation
Age: 2.5 – 6 years old
Materials Needed: Various types of flower to make a bouquet, vase or ribbon to tie
Aim: To introduce children to differences and similarities of various flowers. To identify the beauty in each flower’s uniqueness and the beauty of the flowers coming together in a bouquet.
Indirect Aim: Botany and Art
Points of Interest: Colors, Smells, Textures, and Parts of the Flower
Approach:
- Collect distinct looking flowers to create a bouquet for the classroom
- Display the bouquet in a simple vase in the front of the classroom
- Begin the group presentation by talking with the children about the parts of the flowers, the care of plants and what plants need to grow and to thrive such as healthy soil, water, and the sun. “Flowers are a plant that needs the care and love of the earth or if we choose to make a bouquet or grow our own flowers, they need to be nurtured by us. “ As you are speaking, take each flower and examine it. Place it down on the table.
- Ask the children:
- What do you see when you look at the flowers?
- What do you notice?
- Do they look the same in size? In shape?
- What colors do you see?
- Are they the same size?
- Ask the children: “How are we like these flowers?” As you begin this discussion, begin to collect each flower to eventually make a bouquet.
- Invite the children to think about how people are different colors, sizes, and shapes just like the flowers: “We each have qualities that make us unique and beautiful, just like these flowers. “
- Ask the children: “What do you notice when these flowers come together in a bouquet? We are like these flowers in many ways. We come together to learn and to grow. Even though we’re all unique, we still come together and create this beautiful class.”
- If you desire, give one flower to each child to end the presentation. Leave the empty vase in the classroom and perhaps the children will fill it to create their own bouquet.
My son truly enjoyed this presentation. He loved examining each flower, the differences, and the beauty. In the end, he assigned each flower to a classmate: “This one is Ness. This one is Alexander. This one is Andrea….”
I think he got the point. I look forward to doing our next anti-bias activity. Here are a few other Anti-Bias activities if you are interested in more. I also have a Montessori Culture & Anti-Bias Pinterest board.
Thanks for choosing to read this post today!
Marnie
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