Diversity education commonly begins as early as elementary school. The basics of such courses focus upon understanding different cultures and the varying backgrounds of classmates. Learning at a young age how to accept and socialize with those who look, dress or speak differently than oneself is considered a building block for future peaceful interaction among the races.
As students progress through the school system, education about different races becomes more involved. Educators often utilize a mixture of current news items, historical events and role-playing activities to facilitate a better understanding of race relations and tolerance. Classes in diversity usually are interactive, with teachers encouraging questions and personal stories from the students.
School officials often network with outside resources to provide field trips and guest speakers. Communicating with visitors from specific racial or religious backgrounds and touring cultural exhibits are also typical aspects of diversity learning. Students can gain first-hand knowledge of different communities and see the individuals in them and not a faceless group. Stuents who live in an area which is comprised of primarily one race benefit from the insight and tolerance discovered during diversity education.
Diversity educators also discuss slang terms and derogatory comments with their students. By discussing the hurtful power of words, students discover a deeper importance of how speaking without thinking can breed prejudice and potential violence.
Educators also use music and art to teach diversity and find common ground, and they use popular culture influences to reach students in middle and high school. Connecting through popular musical groups, cool fashion designers, famous athletes or the movies can help bridge the tolerance gap among teens. Creating a school culture fair is another popular activity. "Connecting classrooms" programs allow students to become virtual pen pals with students from around the world, learning about students from different cultures and religious backgrounds.