Similarities and Differences

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	Advanced
	Age: 4-7
	20-30 min
	Children explore how people can be similar in some ways and different in others. The activity encourages critical thinking, appreciation of diversity, and acceptance of others.
	Flexibility Self-regulation Collaboration Critical thinking
	Cognitive task Conversation Movement
	Colored chalk, yarn or adhesive tape

Preparation

Prepare the play space by marking two circles on the floor with colored chalk, yarn, or adhesive tape in different colors.

Implementation

Gather the children in a circle and explain the game.

Show them the two colored circles.

Explain that one circle is for children who are similar in a specific way, and the other circle is for those who are different in that way.

Start with simple visual categories:

Children with striped socks / children with plain socks
Children wearing red t-shirts / children not wearing red t-shirts

Once children are comfortable with visible differences, move to other categories:

Food preferences (sweet / salty / sour)
Toy preferences (blocks / dolls / cars)

Ask children to step into the circle that matches them.

Keep the tone playful and inclusive. Encourage children to notice both similarities and differences.

Reflection

After the game, gather the children and talk about their experience:

How did you feel during the game?
What did you like most? What was difficult?
How many things do we have in common? In what ways are we different?

Discuss how being different makes each person special, while similarities help us connect and understand one another.

Important note for teachers: anti-bias and emotional safety

This activity can unintentionally highlight differences that make some children feel exposed or excluded.

Before using it, teachers should reflect on their own biases and ensure they are comfortable moderating sensitive moments.

Variations and Additional Ideas

Variation / Optional extension

Use a combination of visible traits and more complex characteristics.

Allow children to suggest categories based on things they like to do, eat, or play with.

Children step into the corresponding circle based on whether they share that characteristic or not.

Repeat the activity with a variety of preferences or interests, keeping the tone playful and inclusive.

Sorting activities using various materials (e.g. buttons, leaves, shapes) based on shared characteristics.

Worksheet "Similarities and Differences - Questions"

Visual Traits

Do you have striped socks or plain socks?
Are you wearing a red shirt or not?
Do you have long hair or short hair?
Are you wearing shoes with laces or slip-on shoes?
Do you have glasses or no glasses?

Sensory / Food Preferences

Do you like apples or bananas more?
Do you like milk or water more?
Do you like soft foods or crispy foods more?

Emotional Experiences

Do you smile when you play outside?
Do you like cuddling a toy?
Do you get scared in the dark?
Do you feel happy when you help someone?

Interests

Do you like animals?
Do you like painting?
Do you like listening to stories?
Do you like singing or dancing?