Respecting Everyone: A Fun Guide for Kids
Teacher Emil said, “Being kind to others does not mean we support their way of life, or their choices. It simply means that we acknowledge their presence and existence and that we respect a fellow human being.” What this means is that even if someone is different from you, it’s important to be respectful and kind.
Why Should We Respect People Who Are Different?
– Everyone is special in their own way.
– Being kind helps everyone feel happy and safe.
– Respecting differences stops bullying and makes friends.
– It helps us learn about new things and people.
– The world is full of many kinds of people—and that’s great!
Fun Ways to Learn About Respecting Differences
1. Make a Respect Poster
Draw a colorful poster with words like “Be Kind” and “Everyone is Special.” Hang it in your room or classroom.
2. Role Play Being Kind
Pretend to meet someone who is different and practice saying nice things or helping them.
3. Create a Diversity Collage
Cut out pictures of different people, places, and cultures from magazines and glue them on paper to celebrate how diverse the world is.
4. Friendship Bracelets
Make friendship bracelets with your friends to show that everyone belongs.
5. Story Circle
Tell a story about something that makes you unique, or share a time you helped someone who was different from you.
More Fun Games About Respect and Kindness
6. Compliment Chain
Sit in a circle and take turns giving compliments to the person next to you. See how long you can make the chain of kind words!
7. Kindness Bingo
Make a bingo card with kind actions like “helped a friend,” “shared a toy,” or “said thank you.” Try to complete the card by doing these actions during the week.
8. Feelings Matching Game
Use cards with faces showing different emotions. Match the face to a story or situation where someone might feel that way, helping understand feelings tied to respect.
9. Respect Relay Race
Set up stations with tasks like “say hello nicely,” “help pick up toys,” or “ask politely.” Work in teams to complete each task practicing respectful behavior.
10. “If I Were…” Imagination Game
Take turns saying, “If I were [someone different], I would feel…” This encourages empathy and thinking about others’ feelings.
Books You’ll Love About Respect
– “Julian Is a Mermaid” — About being proud of who you are.
– “The Family Book” — Shows all kinds of families are special.
– “All Are Welcome” — A story about a school where everyone belongs.
– “Red: A Crayon’s Story” — A crayon learns to be itself.
– “I Am Enough” — A poem about loving yourself and others.
– “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes — About accepting yourself despite teasing.
– “Strictly No Elephants” by Lisa Mantchev — Celebrates friendship and inclusion.
Remember!
Respecting people who are different doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything they do—it means being kind and treating everyone like a friend. When you do this, you help make the world a happier place!
Want more fun games, stories, or activities about kindness and respect? Just ask—I’m here to help!
