Toco’s How We Look Playbook & InstaPlay Kit

Note: Thank you to Indigrow for providing samples to review. All opinions are my own.

Even Babies Notice Racial Differences

Did you know that babies as young as 3 months old can notice racial differences? Though parents may believe children are too young to recognize these differences, research has proven otherwise. It’s never too early to have these discussions. In fact, delays in these discussions can make it more difficult to reverse inaccurate information.

Jessica Sullivan, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Skidmore College and co-author of a study on this topic, states, “Children are capable of thinking about all sorts of complex topics at a very young age. Even if adults don’t talk to kids about race, children will work to make sense of their world and will come up with their own ideas, which may be inaccurate or detrimental.”

Though parents and educators may embrace multiculturalism, some may hesitate to discuss it with children. Often, it’s not due to a lack of motivation, but rather not feeling confident about how to approach the topic.

Learning Through Play

Indigrow, a company founded by two multicultural moms, guides parents and educators with discussions on diversity and global citizenship for children. Listening to parents from around the world, the founders created educational books, activities, and more to help children learn about the world around them through play.

Indigrow’s latest offerings include Toco’s How We Look Playbook and InstaPlay Kit. They’re designed to go hand-in-hand to encourage children ages 3-6 years old to celebrate differences. Indigrow thoughtfully designed every page in the playbook and activity in the kit to spark conversations to create cultural competence. These much-needed items get to the heart of the matter of diversity in a direct, age-appropriate way. It is truly one of the best learning tools for children out there today.

Toco’s How We Look Playbook

Toco’s How We Look Playbook is not your typical storybook; it’s a playbook! As Toco the Toucan and his friends explore physical differences in how we look, children can do more than just read through the story.

The “Have Fun With Toco!” section includes guides to further explore the book’s topics. This important section can help nurture children’s natural curiosity about different physical features, such as skin color, eye shape and color, hair texture, body shapes and abilities, and more.

For example, when readers see the “Let’s Explore” symbol, they’ll learn about the scientific facts behind “how we look.” This helps children make sense of differences. The “Let’s Talk” symbol indicates that this spot in the story is a good time to talk to children about their feelings and thoughts regarding accepting and celebrating differences.

The “Let’s Do” symbol means there is a fun activity that kids can do right now to build confidence and empathy. Lastly, the “Let’s Say” symbol provides empowering phrases to build confidence in children.

Full-color illustrations feature diverse children to represent the world around young readers. This high-quality, sturdy hardbound book has glossy pages that will last the test of time. The book is 10″ x 10″ and made with recyclable paper as well as non-toxic organic ink.

InstaPlay Kit

The InstaPlay Kit is an essential companion to Toco’s How We Look Playbook. It includes an impressive range of activities – 25 in all – that requires almost zero prep for instant play.

These fun printables and activities include science experiments, games, arts and crafts, and more to raise kind, culturally-inclusive children. Some activities will require access to a printer while others can be read directly from your device.  Both are super quick and easy to get started on.

Each play activity features two parts:

1. ACTIVITY: The first part is an activity designed to be easy to set up and implement (thus the name, InstaPlay!).
2. GROWN UP TALK: The second part is for adults to help them navigate conversations with children. This section provides facts, context and actual phrases grown ups can use to empower children to be culturally aware.

Indigrow chose themes that include the most common questions young kids ask as they notice differences in how people look, such as:

• “ Why is his skin darker?”
• “ Why do my eyes look different?”
• “Is my hair crazy?”

In fact, kids can sample the three topics above for free to experience the activities immediately. Beyond the three free activities, the rest can be accessed once the InstaPlay Kit is purchased.

Kids and their grown ups can choose to play activities based on an issue they have faced or their interests. Other themes include topics such as “Why does she have funny spots on her face?” “Why can’t brown or black girls be princesses?” “Why can’t I have blue eyes?” “Why did he call me fat?” and more. Each activity will open up as a PDF.

In addition to Toco’s How We Look Playbook and the InstaPlay Kit, the Indigrow website offers kids a Play ‘n Talk section for more free, fun resources inspired by diversity!

Where to Purchase Toco’s How We Look Playbook & InstaPlay Kit

Purchase Toco’s How We Look Playbook and the InstaPlay Kit separately or together at a bundled price! Indigrow created the Playbook and Playkit to be used collaboratively to maximize children’s learning. Save 15% when you purchase both. View products and pricing on IndigrowKids.com.

Enter the Toco’s How We Look Playbook & InstaPlay Kit GIVEAWAY [Closed]

One lucky reader will win Toco’s How We Look Playbook and the InstaPlay Kit. Please enter via the entry form below. The giveaway is open worldwide to entrants ages 18+ years old (no P.O. Boxes, please). Good luck!
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Indigrow’s Vision

Indigrow believes “…in growing a kinder, more empathetic generation of tomorrow. By creating a platform where little kids, parents, educators, and creators join hands and celebrate differences and similarities in the early childhood years, we believe we can break bias, educate and have conversations that truly matter.” Learn more at indigrowkids.com and follow them on Instagram: @indigrowkids.