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What is Tolerance?
Tolerance is, “an attitude to perceived cultural or physical differences between people or differing opinions” (Lahdesmaki, 2021, para. 6). Tolerance involves recognizing those who are different as equal, rather than inferior (Lahdesmaki, 2021, para. 6). Some examples of tolerance include having your own beliefs, while still respecting others, accepting people for who they are, treating people such as those with disabilities equally, respecting people no matter their age, learning about different cultures, and challenging common stereotypes (McIlroy, 2024, paras. 10-15).
Why Teach Tolerance?
Tolerance is important to teach at younger ages because children will grow up with these values and learn to pass them on to those that come after them (McIlroy, 2024, para.19). Teaching tolerance not only encourages children to be accepting, but it also helps with teaching curiosity, empathy, patience, and flexibility (Penn State, n.d., para. 3). Children who learn values like this can also become better members of their community and form stronger and healthier relationships with those they interact with. The interactions that children have can help with their social and emotional development, which can impact their interactions with those different from them in the future (Simplek12, 2024, para. 2). Teaching tolerance also helps set the foundation of children becoming better citizens and forming stronger relationships with members of their society (Simplek12, 2024, para. 15). It helps children learn to accept others, while also learning about themselves (Southern poverty…, n.d., para. 8).
Modeling Tolerance
The most effective way to teach tolerance is by modeling it to the children (McIlroy, 2024, para. 27). Especially with a concept like this one, it is impossible to teach children how to accept and appreciate others, when the people they are learning from are not doing that themselves (McIlroy, 2024, para. 28). Tolerance can be shown in the classroom by, “not labelling students according to stereotypes, letting them know they can approach you with any problems or for advice of any kind, treating all students equally, making an effort to learn about students’ cultures, etc.” (McIlroy, 2024, para. 30). How adults treat people around them will directly influence how children treat those around them (McIlroy, 2024, para. 29). To demonstrate tolerance, one must pay close attention to the language that they use when talking to and about others (McIlroy, 2024, para. 33). Little comments made about how one looks or making fun of someone are not behaviors of a tolerant individual (McIlroy, 2024, para. 32). Everyone must be aware of these small comments that they might make without thinking, because children can be listening and learning from the behavior that they are observing.
Strategies in Teaching Tolerance
Conversations about race can be difficult for some students. It is important that we make it something that students feel safe to talk about. We can help students with processing difficult conversations like these by teaching them strategies on how to carry on the conversation, despite its difficulty (Southern poverty…, n.d., para. 7). We can also teach children to honor their family’s traditions while also learning about and honoring those of other families (Simplek12, 2024, para. 40). Through various interactions with children, adults can teach various ways to tolerate and accept those who are different from them.
Another important way to teach children about tolerance is by answering their questions. Children are naturally curious individuals. It is important to use their questions and curiosities to help teach them in those moments (McIlroy, 2024, para. 35). Accepting children as they are and for what they love is another way to demonstrate how to become tolerant (McIlroy, 2024, para. 39). It is incredibly important for adults to be open-minded and accepting of children, regardless of their interests or beliefs, because it shows them that it is acceptable to be different from those around them (McIlroy, 2024, para.42). We can also challenge common stereotypes prevent them from being imposed on children. Stereotypes can involve many different aspects, such as gender, race, sexuality, and more (McIlroy, 2024, para.45). If we eliminate these from children’s lives, they will not grow up believing in them.
Materials to Help Teach Tolerance
Teachers must be mindful of the materials they choose to use in the classroom. Providing books that demonstrate diversity, and anti-bias is incredibly important to support an accepting and diverse classroom environment (Simplek12, 2024, para. 26). Classrooms should also be safe spaces where students feel that they are able to freely express themselves and express curiosity around difficult topics like diversity (Simplek12, 2024, para. 30). Teachers can also choose classroom decorations with teaching tolerance in mind. Posting positive and diverse messages around the classroom can help create a safe and welcoming space for all, while encouraging students to be accepting of differences (Simplek12, 2024, para. 38).
Below are some books that you can add to your child's library to help teach tolerance:
References
Lahdesmaki, T., Baranova, J., Ylonen, S. C., Koistinen, A.-K., Makinen, K., Juskinene, V., & Zaleskiene, I. (2021, November 3). Tolerance, empathy, and inclusion. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-89236-4_4
McIlroy, T. (2024, August 9). 15 top tips for teaching tolerance and diversity to young children. Empowered Parents. https://empoweredparents.co/teaching-tolerance/
Penn state. (n.d.). Inclusivity: how to talk to your kids about tolerance and acceptance. Penn state. https://inclusivity.psu.edu/
Simplek12. (2024, July 15). Teaching tolerance: How educators help build inclusive classrooms in 2024. SimpleK12.com. https://www.simplek12.com/professional-development/teaching-tolerance-in-classroom/
Southern poverty law center. (n.d.). Let’s talk: Facilitating critical conversations with students. Learning for justice. https://www.learningforjustice.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/TT-Let-s-Talk-Publication-January-2020.pdf
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