Celebrating Diversity

Black Africa is often on the TV, but the images are usually of famine, poverty and war. It is important to give young children some opportunity to see other aspects of the continent. Settings can celebrate Kwanzaa, the international festival of black culture - but, as this takes place at the end of the year, it may coincide with Christmas closure. African culture can also be celebrated at other times.

There is not much material designed for under-fives on Africa, but books designed for Key Stages One and Two can be adapted. I recommend the wonderful photo-illustrated books by Ifeoma Onyefulu (published by Frances Lincoln). Her A is for Africa is an intriguing alternative to other alphabet books.

Stories for pre-school children include Mwenyi Hadithi's re-telling of the story of the Greedy Zebra (Hodder & Stoughton); and Eileen Browne's Handa's Surprise and Handa's Hen (Walker Books) are well known. The former is an outstanding example of a picture story where the 'reader' knows more than the main character. The latter is a counting book that, again, provides a refreshing alternative to others available.

Children can make drums, rattles or masks based on those used in West African ceremonies. (Authentic versions suitable for use by under-fives can be purchased from many Development Education Centres and commercial suppliers). African music is now readily available on CD and children will enjoy the cheerful sounds. African dressing up clothes can be copied from photographs. (If you have some spare cash, NES Arnold can supply African dressing up clothes).

British traditional games for three-and four-year-olds have their equivalent in Africa; a book by Ifeoma Onyefulu gives details on some of these. Also, you'll find simple recipes for African dishes in two of the books in Hodder Wayland's Food and Festivals series.