ITV Videos Catalog Home

Grade Levels:

Primary

Length:

12-15 minutes

Taping Rights:

School year

MARC Record:

Downloadable

Teaching Materials:

See Below

Combining animal puppets in children’s roles and actors from a variety of ethnic backgrounds as teachers or other significant adults, Different and the Same presents a series of realistic stories that tackle difficult issues of racism such as exclusion and stereotyping. The characters work together to solve the problem presented in each story, basing their solution on four underlying principles: awareness, fairness, inclusion, and respect.

While not flinching from honest portrayals of difficult situations, the programs focus on prosocial solutions. The characters model the courage to stand up for what is right, increased understanding of others, genuine contrition, and reconciliation. The series also seeks to help children recognize, name, and express feelings.

Different and the Same was created by Family Communications, the producers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.