Which One Is Not Like The Others?

Children are quick to easily point out and notice differences.  They are quick to notice when someone has a different hair color than they have or when a that really tall person is standing next to a person who is very short.  As an educator, I prefer to focus on how much we are all alike, yet its our differences that make us special.  What would the world be like if we were all the same?  Where would our freedom to make choices go?

Children are eager to find differences.  As a child, I clearly remember as a child enjoying looking at pictures where I was supposed to find what is different between two similar pictures.  I recall sSometimes the difference was too being obvious but there are and other times when I  struggled ing and wracking my brain to find the answer!  It was a challenge I delightfully accepted.  Even today I found a website that is built for adults and older children to spot the differences (see Mothers Recommendations) and I found myself challenged and addicted to the puzzles!

When I reach back even deeper into my childhood I recall a songremember a song from on Sesame Street that was introduced to help children understand which object is different.
One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesnt belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesnt belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then youre absolutely…right!
(Sesame Street, PBS Television

I remember playing along with the television pointing up to the screen to show as I found the one that is different.  When I found out I was correct I beamed with pride.  I never tired of this game! (And I still can sing the song as clear as day as an adult!)

You too, can play this game with your child.  Choose four objects in front of your child.  Choose three that are identical and one that is different.  Ask her which one is different.  See if she is able to select the right object.  If she picks the wrong item explain how it is the same as another object in the group.  When this task is mastered, introduce bring more items from the same family such as three shoes and one boot and see if she can find the different type of footwear.