Prejudice damages individuals and communities and constitutes the basis of many forms of discrimination and unfair practices. Children develop an awareness of the similarities and differences between people from a very young age. They are influenced by the behaviours and attitudes modelled by those around them and develop their own values and beliefs based on their observations.
Schools are uniquely placed to guide and shape the formation of children's values and to support the development of their identity, self-esteem and critical thinking skills. They play an important role in assisting young students to recognise, accept and respect diversity as well as to explore the ways in which prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination may be created and addressed. Through acknowledging and addressing the issues of prejudice and discrimination, schools can act as positive agents for change and contribute to the creation of a tolerant and just society.
Prejudice. No way! aims to assist students in Years K-3 develop the foundation knowledge and skills needed for anti-prejudice and anti-racism understandings. The activities provided aim to assist students to:
- develop respect and appreciation for individual and cultural similarities and differences
- explore and discuss how prejudices and stereotypes develop
- increase awareness of the impact of prejudice and discrimination
- develop an understanding of how prejudice can influence decision making processes
- explore how prejudice and discrimination can be challenged.
