AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
Back to Blog
Elmer the elephant3/20/2023 Elmer’s behaviour raises numerous conversations from this perspective. It’s true!Įlmer’s story offers a gentle, yet firm reminder on the point around empathy. Teaching children to be empathetic, in a weird way, even makes their tantrums (somewhat) manageable. Empathy also makes us more reasonable individuals. Empathy in children and adults is a key predictor of social and emotional success in varied situations – at an interpersonal level, at work, etc. These animated discussions meander and loop around to where they are in the country, the world, where their parents and grandparents come from. It’s a simple, yet effective way to visually anchor them in the world and provide them with a sense of belonging.Īn understanding of identity, racial diversity and cultural tolerance is incomplete without empathy. We talk about the continents, the various countries, and the cultural plethora thriving within these countries. As an example, I put up a map of the world in my kids’ room. There are some simple ways to make questions of identity and belonging tangible for children. As an example, even at ages four and seven, my boys endeavour to understand where they are situated in the world. Our children, no matter where they live are no different. It was important for him to feel part of a larger whole. Maybe that’s why Elmer wanted to so badly fit in with the rest of the herd. Sociologists have maintained that a sense of community and being part of society is innate to human nature. It impedes curiosity and makes kids (and later, as adults), dismissive of diversity and racial differences. A blanket response on the lines of “we’re all the same” is not only inaccurate, but it’s also counter-productive. Providing thoughtful answers could help them understand, respect and hopefully, embrace diversity. It’s okay for them to ask questions like why their friend’s hair or skin colour is lighter or darker than theirs. Their curious brains notice more than we realise. After all, isn’t Elmer’s myriad of colours a big part of what makes him so intriguing and lovable?Ĭhildren notice colour. It may seem counterintuitive, but Elmer made me realise the merit in allowing children to see differences in colour. Here’s how Elmer’s story has motivated my actions as I endeavour to raise culturally sensitive kids. As a parent, it has made me think about the many ways I could extend the “Elmer conversation” with my boys and make dense yet critically relevant concepts around tolerance and diversity more palatable for them. This seemingly simple story presents nuanced themes around diversity and identity for children and adults alike. On that day, all the elephants transform themselves into colourful patchwork elephants, and Elmer colours himself grey. They understand his conundrum of wanting to fit in and be like the rest of them, and decide to celebrate his uniqueness by instituting an annual ‘Elmer’s Day Parade’. To lighten up the mood, he startles them all with a loud “Boo!” Just then a cloud bursts and Elmer’s grey colour washes off, making his friends laugh even harder. He enjoys the anonymity and joins the herd only to realise that his friends miss his presence. Once covered in the grey berry juice, he isn’t Elmer anymore, but just another elephant. So, one day he sneaks out at the crack of dawn to cover himself with the grey coloured juice of a berry found outside the jungle. He’s lively, cracks jokes, and is well-loved. He’s famous and stands out because he’s not grey like the rest of his herd, instead, his skin is a patchwork of bright colours. Every time I read it to my first grader and preschooler, I find Elmer’s story a charming exploration of identity, diversity and acceptance- topics that are close to my heart.Įlmer, the elephant’s story is set in an idyllic jungle, where the animals appear to live in harmony. A few years ago, I chanced upon this endearing piece of children’s literature. Given the trajectory of my personal journey, it’s no surprise then that Elmer by David McKee remains an exciting discovery for me.
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |