Collages can be made from real photographs or from pictures cut from magazines, so they're easy for children to create. If you can get parents to send in several family photographs, each child can glue her photos onto a large sheet of paper. If you're using magazines, ask children to cut out images that remind them of their families. They may cut out pictures of people who resemble their relatives or cut out images of foods or sports that their family members like. These collages can be hung on classroom walls so children can get a close look at one another's families.
Most preschoolers believe that their families are the norm. If children learn at this young age that families are all different, they will be more accepting as they grow older. To teach this concept, print up worksheets with pictures of all different people. Include two men, two women, several children of different races and other adults who could be potential family members, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles. Help children cut out these images. Encourage children to first choose the pictures that match their own family members, then let them mix and match all the pictures to create different types of families.
Any activity involving books teaches children about literacy and the alphabet, and making books about a familiar subject is an easy way to get children excited about reading. Give each child several sheets of paper with a heading of "My Family is Special Because..." Ask children to draw pictures on each page, illustrating a different way their families are special. Teachers can ask them to explain their pictures and write captions. Staple the pages together and let children take turns "reading" each other's books.
Asking each child to do a project at home gives him a chance to talk with his family about why his family is what it is. Make a list of scavenger hunt items for children to find with the help of their families. Include items that most people will have at home, such as photos of grandparents or a family heirloom. Attach a note to parents, encouraging them to talk further with their children about who is a part of their family. You may also simply assign preschoolers "homework" by asking them to spend time with their entire family over a weekend. On Monday, ask each child to explain what special activities he did with his family.