Harmony Day: Fun Classroom Activities for All Ages

In Prep, students are introduced to the beautiful concept of Harmony Day, where we celebrate diversity and the importance of inclusivity in a fun and interactive way.

Through creative activities, children can begin to understand what it means to belong, appreciate differences, and be kind to everyone, regardless of background.

These activities will help foster a sense of unity and understanding while embracing the different cultures around them.

Storytime: Diverse Books

Read books that celebrate cultural diversity, such as Whoever You Are by Mem Fox, I’m Australian Too by Mem Fox, and All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold. After reading, discuss themes of acceptance and inclusion.

A Harmony Day Mural

Trace students’ hands on coloured paper, cut them out, and decorate them with words or drawings about kindness, inclusivity, and cultural diversity. Arrange the hands in a heart shape on a bulletin board with the message "We all belong."

World Music Listening Station

Set up a music station with songs from various cultures, using QR codes or a playlist. Students can listen, draw, or write how the music makes them feel and discuss the different sounds and instruments.

In Grades 1 and 2, students begin to explore the concept of belonging, diving into what it looks like and how it feels within a diverse community. 

They will learn that everyone, no matter their background or culture, has a unique story and place in the world. 

Through engaging and thought-provoking activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of empathy, kindness, and inclusion, recognising that while we may come from different places, we are all part of a bigger, harmonious society.

Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes Empathy Activity

Give students scenario cards with challenges faced by people from different backgrounds, such as moving to a new country or learning a new language. Have them discuss how they would feel and how they can show kindness to others facing these challenges.

Here are 15 scenario ideas that focus on the challenges faced by different people from different backgrounds:

1. Moving to a New Country : You just moved from another country and you don’t know anyone in your new school. How would you feel? What could your classmates do to help you feel welcome?
2. Learning a New Language : You speak a different language at home and are learning English at school. Sometimes, it’s hard to understand everything. How would you feel? How can others help you when you’re struggling to understand?
3. Leaving Your Friends Behind : You had to leave your best friend behind when you moved to a new town. You don’t know anyone yet, and you miss them a lot. How would you feel? What could your new friends do to help you feel less lonely?
4. Celebrating a Different Holiday : Your family celebrates a holiday that isn’t common in your new school. Everyone is talking about their celebrations, and you feel left out. How would you feel? How can you share your holiday with your classmates?
5. Living in a Refugee Camp : You and your family had to leave your home because of a dangerous situation. Now, you live in a refugee camp, and everything is different. How would you feel? How can people show kindness to others in this situation?
6. Missing Your Family : Your family lives far away, and you only get to see them once a year. You feel homesick and miss them a lot. How would you feel? What can others do to support you during this time?
7. Being New at School : You are starting at a new school where you don’t know anyone, and it feels very different from your old school. How would you feel? How could someone make you feel more comfortable?
8. Having a Different Skin Colour : You notice that most of your classmates have a different skin colour than you. People sometimes stare at you or ask strange questions. How would you feel? How can others make you feel accepted?
9. Coming from a Single-Parent Family : Your parents are divorced, and you live with one parent. Some of your friends live with both parents, and sometimes you feel different. How would you feel? How can you explain this to others?
10. Being a Different Religion : You practise a different religion than most people in your class, and sometimes you can’t join in certain activities. How would you feel? What can others do to help you feel included?
11. Struggling with School Work : You’re finding it difficult to keep up with your schoolwork because you have missed some lessons. How would you feel? How can your classmates and teacher help you catch up and feel confident?
12. Living with a Disability : You have a disability that makes it hard to participate in some activities at school. How would you feel? How can others show kindness and include you in activities?
13. Being an Only Child : You don’t have any siblings to play with at school or at home. Sometimes, you feel lonely when everyone else talks about their brothers or sisters. How would you feel? How can you connect with others?
14. Adjusting to a New Culture : You have recently moved to a new country, and things are very different from what you’re used to, like the food, clothes, and language. How would you feel? How can people help you adjust and feel more comfortable?
15. Having a Different Family Structure : You have two dads or two mums, and sometimes people ask questions that make you feel different. How would you feel? How can people show kindness and respect for your family?

These scenarios help students put themselves in the shoes of others who might face challenges related to cultural differences, language barriers, or unique family circumstances. By discussing these situations, students can develop empathy and learn how to show kindness and inclusivity to others.

My Culture, My Story Mini Posters :

Students create mini posters about their cultural heritage or a culture they admire, featuring a flag, a traditional food, a common greeting, and a fun fact or personal story.

Display the posters around the classroom for a Harmony Day Gallery Walk, encouraging students to learn about and celebrate each other's cultures.

In Grades 3 and 4, students delve deeper into the diverse backgrounds and cultures represented in their class. 

This is a great opportunity for them to reflect on their own heritage, learn about their classmates' cultural traditions, and appreciate the many ways people celebrate their identities. 

Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and food exploration, students will see how cultural diversity enriches their community.

 By understanding and celebrating each other's backgrounds, they build a more inclusive and harmonious classroom environment.

 Multicultural Food Tasting or Cooking Session 

Plan a Harmony Day Feast where students bring or help prepare simple dishes from different cultures. If cooking isn’t possible, organize a food-tasting session where students can try new foods and learn about their origins.

 My Culture, My Story Mini Posters

Students create mini posters about their cultural heritage or a culture they admire, featuring a flag, a traditional food, a common greeting, and a fun fact or personal story. Display the posters around the classroom for a Harmony Day Gallery Walk.

 Name Stories Activity

Students research the origin and meaning of their name (or a name from another culture) and share their findings, promoting discussions about cultural identity and traditions.

 Music and Dance from Around the World

 Play songs from different cultures and encourage students to explore traditional dances, such as salsa, Bollywood, or African drumming. If possible, invite a guest to demonstrate a cultural dance.

By engaging in these activities, students develop a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures around them, fostering respect, empathy, and a true sense of belonging.

In Grades 5 and 6, students dive deeper into the concept of harmony, reflecting on what it truly means to live in a united and inclusive society. 

They will explore how diversity strengthens communities and how they, as individuals, can contribute to a more accepting world. 

By engaging in thought-provoking discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects, students will gain a broader perspective on cultural harmony and the values of respect, empathy, and kindness.

 These activities will encourage them to think critically about the role they play in fostering inclusivity both in and beyond the classroom.

Define the Word Harmony

 Begin with a class discussion on what "harmony" means. Ask students to write a "Recipe for Harmony," considering the key ingredients needed for a harmonious society—such as respect, kindness, and understanding—and how they can contribute to it.

 Where in the World? Geography Game 

Play a fun game where students pick a country from a hat and locate it on a world map. They can research quick facts about its language, traditions, and famous landmarks to share with the class.

 Postcards from Around the World 

Students choose a country and design a postcard featuring a famous landmark, greeting, or fun fact. They can "send" their postcards to classmates or display them on a classroom world map.

 Recipe Swap & Create a Class Cookbook

Ask students to bring in a favourite family recipe from their culture. Compile the recipes into a Class Harmony Cookbook , which can be printed and shared with families.

 Harmony Day Read-Aloud & Discussion 

Read books that explore themes of acceptance, diversity, and resilience, such as Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman or The Kindness Project by Deborah Abela. After reading, facilitate a discussion about the challenges faced by different characters and how the themes connect to Harmony Day. Students can then write a reflection on how they can promote harmony in their own lives

By engaging in these activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural diversity and the role they play in creating a more harmonious world.

By engaging in these activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of what it means to live in a diverse and inclusive society.

Harmony Day isn’t just about one day of celebration—it’s about fostering respect and belonging every day in the classroom and beyond.

Encouraging discussions, exploring different cultures, and embracing kindness helps build a more connected and understanding community.

Let’s continue to celebrate our differences and remember that everyone belongs!

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