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How RainbowSmart supports diversity and inclusivity

Making friends at an early age is never easy, especially in light of a pandemic that has robbed many children of those formative years building relationships with their classmates. For many children, the differences between themselves and others may seem intimidating.

With that in mind, it’s crucial to remind children that these differences are only skin deep. We have no need to place these barriers on ourselves, as they will only become more harmful at a later point in life. Hatred and discrimination are learned behaviours, and we as responsible adults have a duty to recognise that.

To mark #UniversalChildrensDay, we look at how RainbowSmart is supportive of inclusivity and diversity in five of the Rainbow Drop storybooks.

1: Pink is Feeling Sad

In the first story, which you can view below, we find Pink feeling sad at school, despite not knowing why. Red is concerned for his friend, who clearly doesn’t want to talk about his emotions. But the story helps children to realise that negative emotions are perfectly normal and that talking can be incredibly helpful.

2: Rainbow’s Day Out

Diversity and inclusivity are not just concepts limited to humankind. Recognising the diversity and beauty of nature is also something children learn via ‘Rainbow’s Day Out’, in which Rainbow is taught to respect their natural surroundings. With the climate in serious jeopardy, there is no time like the present to teach children this important lesson.

3: Red’s Hearing Aid

Of course, not all children are born with the same sensory abilities and recognising this is a crucial part of child development. That is why ‘Red’s Hearing Aid’ covers the fact that some children may have difficulty hearing, seeing, or walking. Furthermore, the story shows children the various aids used for each impairment, letting them know above all that disabilities are a natural part of life.

4: Why Does Purple Play Differently?

Our fourth story included here teaches children about the autistic spectrum, and how some children on that spectrum may behave differently to others. Much like with ‘Red’s Hearing Aid’, children learn to develop a sense of empathy, for example, establishing that noises like the hand dryer may cause sensory overload for an autistic person. Again, we show that the differences are nothing to fear, and should in fact be celebrated.

5: Yellow Wants to Play With Orange

As stated above, racism is not something children are born with. It is a learned behaviour that can be avoided. Our fifth story teaches children that our differences are only skin deep, whether that be a difference in skin colour, ethnicity, or first language. We are all humans after all, and we all want to make friends, especially at an early age. Yellow is the perfect role model for young children, as her desire to play with someone of a different skin colour teaches her friends the importance of inclusivity.

In support of #UniversalChildrensDay, we want to give children that head start they need following a rough 18 months or so. That is why we’re offering a SEVEN DAY FREE TRIAL for full access to the RainbowSmart resources. We believe parents and carers will absolutely love the app, and hope to continue providing life-changing resources for children everywhere.