Meadows West students are learning about diversity through skin tones

Armie Recuenco and Alana Kolomaya, Grade 3 teachers at Meadows West School, collaborated on a project for Black History Month that has given their students a new sense of self.

"Students learned about prominent black Canadians, their experiences, and achievements. We wanted to teach them about skin colour and how we are not all the same skin colour," said Recuenco. 

To teach students about skin colour, Recuenco and Kolomaya introduced the book Brown, The Many Shades of Love by Nancy Johnson James, which showcased a variety of brown skin tones. Along with reading the book, students looked at painted portraits by artist Laura Wheeler Waring.

"As we read Brown, The Many Shades of Love, our students got excited because they could see themselves in the book," said Recuenco.

"It's important to incorporate diversity because we're a multicultural school," said Kolomaya. "We wanted our students to see the story behind the person."

To address differences in each person, students used art. They drew portraits of Black Canadians and experimented with different skin tones by mixing paint colours to create several shades of brown.

"By discussing their learning, students discovered their range of skin tones within the classroom. They felt special, unique, and celebrated their diversity," said Kolomaya. 

Grade 3 students took the opportunity to share what they learned. 

"I learned that different skin colour is what makes us special and unique," said Tiago.

Jared added, "I learned about the successes and achievements of black Canadians."

"I learned that not everyone is brown; they all have different shades," said Kajol.