Allow children to paint with watercolors, then spray the paper with water and watch the colors blend together. Discuss how the colors merged to create a beautiful piece of art. Ask children what the world would be like if it contained only one color. Relate the idea to people and how we are all different with unique backgrounds, talents, interests and histories. Discuss how people can blend together just like the colors, creating a wonderful world.
Plan a class lunch with ethnic foods. Encourage students to try each food, even if they have never had it. Ask parents to help prepare a favorite dish or snack that is special to their family and then have each student give a short presentation about what they brought. If desired, invite families to attend as well. Another example using food is to ask students to bring a favorite fruit, then mix them together in a fruit salad. To illustrate diversity to young children, display a few items that are different on the outside, but the same on the inside. Examples include candy-coated chocolates in various colors or lollipops with a tootsie roll center. Ask students what color they think the items are on the inside. Cut into the candy to show that the items are each the same on the inside, much like people.
Begin with a discussion about skin color -- what makes it lighter or darker. Ask students to hold their arms next to a classmate's to see who has lighter or darker skin. Show students how to mix paint to achieve a color that is close to their skin tone. Test the paint color by brushing it onto the back of the hand. Older students can paint a self-portrait for display on a classroom bulletin board. Younger students might paint prepared face shapes and then add googly eyes, button noses and yarn hair.
Lead a class discussion about language, asking students what language they speak at home. If some students do not speak English as a first language, ask them to teach the other students how to say "Hello," "Goodbye" or "How are you?" Use the Foreignword website to translate words in hundreds of languages. Create a poster for later reference and encourage kids to use a different language occasionally.