The University of Central Oklahoma is launching a new program, called “Preducation,” for elementary students in Oklahoma schools. The program aims to introduce age-appropriate materials relating to prejudice, race, culture, disabilities and gender identity to young children to create awareness and understanding before stereotypes and bias are formed.

The program is funded through a $657,281 grant from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Administration as a part of their non-emergency, anti-terrorism efforts.

“Preducation” is a series of learning modules that approach multiple diversity issues that often result in prejudicial actions, bullying and school-site violence. A series of “friendly monsters” help guide children through the experiences, and lessons focus on the message that although we are all different, we are still the same. The content and activities are designed to help children accept and deal proactively with people whose backgrounds and experiences differ from their own.

“We know that with understanding and acceptance prejudice, bullying and hostile reactions diminish and lessen further development of the cycle of prejudice and violence,” said Sandra Martin, lecturer in strategic communications, Department of Mass Communications.

“This program offers children an early introduction to understanding the similarities and differences that all children share.”

Modules include information, videos, worksheets, games and interactive learning opportunities designed to be age- and grade-appropriate. Materials for each module allow teachers to select the combination of resources they believe are most appropriate to their students and community. The program will be available for use in 1st-4th grade classrooms starting this fall.

The project was initially developed by a group of students in the university’s strategic communications campaigns class. The grant was authored by Martin and Tyler Weldon, Ph.D., associate professor, UCO College of Education and Professional Studies, who recognized the need for such a curriculum in Oklahoma schools.

“Oklahoma is recognized as a high-risk state with Oklahoma children ranked among the most likely in the nation to experience violence during childhood,” Weldon said.

Teachers who choose to participate in the program will receive all curriculum, materials and supplies— either mailed or dropped off to them. The program also includes additional incentives – $100 stipends for each module taught and funding for classroom celebrations after completing the program.

An additional $500 stipend is available for teachers who share the knowledge earned with other classrooms through their own program ideas and events. Participating teachers receive training resources, an interactive website for teachers, mentors, parents and students, as well as materials for each participating school to post and publicity resources to alert local citizens about the program.

Teachers interested in participating in the “Preducation” program can contact Weldon at tweldon2@ uco.edu or 405-974-2107.