Different, Yet The Same: How A Book On Facial Differences Can Benefit Your Child
One thing you may notice about your child is their natural tendency to mimic those around them. For this reason, a book that specifically shows the differences in faces is a great learning tool that helps develop their understanding of the outside world. From how others may look different to why their faces express a certain emotion, this can be a great opportunity for your child to have a healthy understanding of others as well as themselves. Here are three ways a book about facial differences can benefit your child in both learning about differences as well as identifying emotions.
The Difference in Faces
One of the first things your child might notice about this book is that some of the faces featured look different from others. Skin color, eye shape, chin size, and the formation of the nose are all examples of what makes each face unique in its own way. Teaching your child that there are differences in how others look can be a helpful tool in their understanding of those around them. List the differences in each facial feature while also teaching the child what they may have in common, even with someone who looks different from themselves. For example, point out that a character in the book might have blue eyes while your child has brown eyes. Explain that the difference is the color of the eye, yet both work the same to see and observe the world around them.
Reading Emotions
Facial features can also help your child understand the differences in emotional responses. A sad face, for example, can easily be distinguished by its downturned mouth, tear-filled eyes, and furrowed eyebrow position. Go through each of these features with your child and encourage them to imitate what they see. For example, you could say, "This person's eyes are wide open and their mouth is, too! I think this person is feeling surprised. Let's act surprised together!". Ask the child what types of situations might warrant such emotional reactions such as asking what makes them feel surprised, sad, happy, or angry. Perhaps they feel happy when they get pancakes for breakfast; use this opportunity to serve them imaginary pancakes to elicit a happy response!
Putting Expression into Words
While learning that different facial expressions are a result of feeling a certain way, you can go a step further and encourage your child to express how they feel verbally. Taking the example mentioned earlier of your child getting pancakes for breakfast, try to draw out a verbal response. A fantastic example would be for you to say, "I love getting pancakes for breakfast. They make me feel happy!" Then, ask your child to do the same. Over time, this type of exercise can help your child verbalize what they feel internally and it will simply become second nature for them to do so. Associating healthy verbiage alongside feeling a certain way will only benefit your relationship with your child in the long run.
If you're looking for a facial differences understanding kids book, visit an educational book supplier to explore your options.