Family Conversation Kits: Asian Kit: Early Childhood Edition

The idea of Family Conversation Kits came about as a way to build understanding and empathy, and ultimately pave the way for more equitable communities. Research shows that children begin to notice race and other differences at an early age and that they often internalize biases and stereotypes by the time they start school. However, research also shows that exposure to other racial groups through children's literature, helps to counteract bias and discrimination (Aronson, 2014; Crisp & Turner, 2009). Despite the known benefits, families often feel ill-equipped to engage in conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are hopeful that these kits will allow families to begin these important lifelong conversations with confidence.

Each Family Conversation Kit focuses on one facet of diversity and caters to a specific age range. Each kit includes a list of age-appropriate books and a guide for families. 

This is an Early Childhood Kit. These kits contain three picture books: one general diversity book and two books specifically related to the group of people the kit focuses on.

This is an Asian Kit. Often when we use the term Asia, we think of only East and Southeast Asia. The continent of Asia is much larger; it includes the Middle East. Asia includes the following areas, among others:

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordon, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North & South Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

When you purchase this Kit you will receive ONE Conversation Kit Booklet and ONE copy of each of the following books:

Ming Goes to School by Deirdre Sullivan

This book was chosen because it provides many opportunities for young children to talk about similarities and differences between their own lives and that of the other children in this book.

Festival of Colors by Surishtha & Kabir Sehgal

This book was chosen because it teaches readers about a fun and unique celebration in Indian culture. The bright pictures are vibrant and engaging, and with a simple text, early learners will be able to sit for this great introduction to Holi.

My Language, Your Language by Lisa Bullard

This title was chosen as our "general diversity" book for this kit because it introduces early learners to the idea that people can speak more than one language, and that different languages can be found all around us.