As classrooms in the United States become increasingly multicultural, teachers need to be aware of how and when racial attitudes develop in children in order to provide a supportive learning environment for children of any ethnic heritage. This study examined racial awareness and attitudes in children between 3 and 10 years of age. Subjects were…

Young children from five ethnic groups completed surveys about self-concept, self-esteem, racial awareness, and knowledge of racial terms, attitudes, and preference. Anglo-American children had a viable self-concept. Most children were highly aware of distinct ethnic differences and liked all colors. Most minority children chose friends outside…