Curriculum: Rainbow Children

A Racial Justice and Diversity Program for Ages 5 to 8, by Norma Poinsett and Vivian Burns. UUA. 1995.

Theme and Description This is an anti-bias, pro-diversity curriculum that addresses racial and ethnic prejudice while affirming the inherent worth and beauty of the child, the family, the community, and the diversity of humankind. Beginning with the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child, it celebrates the differences and commonalties of all people.

Goals for Participants

• To see themselves and others as members of one "rainbow race" with the same human rights and needs
• To understand the concepts of prejudice, racism, and racial justice
• To recognize that racial prejudice exists and is wrong
• To know that society is multiracial and multicultural
• To develop positive attitudes toward people of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds different from their own
• To affirm a diversity of families
• To feel good about themselves and others as loving, creative, and competent people.

Age Range Ages 5 to 8

Size of Group 10 to 14 ideal

Space Requirements A large, attractive space that can be decorated with many multicultural visuals

Number of Sessions 12, plus 2 extra sessions to offer alternative celebrations for fall or spring terms (Kwanzaa and Cinco de Mayo)

Length of Sessions 1 hour

Leader Training No special training required, but ideally co-leaders represent some cultural diversity, are comfortable with the topic, and are willing to enrich the program with multiracial/multi-ethnic materials and experiences.

Leader Preparation 2 hours per session

Strengths

• Offers well-scripted sessions
• Includes a variety of engaging activities
• Addresses a complex topic in age-appropriate ways
• Provides an opportunity to engage the congregation in celebration with the children
• Helps prepare children to contribute to a diverse world community.

Limitation Requires books and a song tape not sold with the curriculum

Adaptability

• Can be used in the fall or spring term
• Can be used as part of an all-church diversity program
• Can be used as a children's program at camps or conferences.

Unitarian Universalist Values Expresses the Unitarian Universalist Principles, especially the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process; and the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.