Seeing others through the eyes of a child

Yesterday Andrew led chapel for two different groups of elementary students at NCA. His task was to cover the topic of respect. One activity he did was to have students compare two different pictures of children, assuming that the kids in chapel would highlight the obvious differences between them. His plan was then to help the kids focus on the fact that despite the differences between us, ALL are created in the Image of God--we always have that in common.

We were surprised at the contrast in the responses between the younger (PreK-2nd grade) and older (3rd-6th grade) students.  When shown the pictures, here were their observations:

PreK-2^nd: “They are both smiling/happy.”

3^rd-6^th: “One is outside, one is inside.”

PreK-2^nd: “They are both girls.”

3^rd-6^th: “One is sitting in a wheelchair, the other isn’t.”

 

PreK-2^nd: “They are all boys.”

3^rd-6^th: “One is alone, the other has lots of friends.”

PreK-2^nd: “They both have long hair.”

3^rd-6^th: “One looks like she has a disability, the other doesn’t.”

PreK-2^nd: “They are both boys”

3^rd-6^th: “One can hear, the other can’t”

As the younger children gave their answers, it warmed our hearts… all they saw were the similarities and commonalities! As the older children gave the answers that Andrew had been setting them up for, we began to wonder…

At what point to kids stop focusing on similarities and start focusing on differences?

Is focusing on differences something that our children are learning as they grow older? If so, from where?

How do these differing thought patterns affect the way they see each other and interact with each other?

Which group do I think more like? Which group should I think more like?

I fully recognize that there is beauty in appreciating and celebrating differences, but I don’t know if this is the best place to start. I think that if we could model the mindset of these young children as we meet new people and build relationships, beginning first by focusing on our similarities, it could create a better foundation for loving each other the way that Jesus taught us to love.