Abstract:

The purpose of the study is to determine primary school students' perceptions about differences through their drawings. The study was carried out during the spring semester of 2013-2014 academic year. A total of 107 primary school students, including 27 fourth grade, 31 third grade, 26 second grade, 23 first grade participated in the study. The study has been conducted by descriptive method and the data of the study have been collected by draw-and-explain task. During the data collection students were asked to draw a picture of differences between people and explain their drawings. 32 different categories have been found when drawings have examined on the basis of research questions. 8 different themes have been found when examined similarities and differences of categories. These are appearance differences, race and ethnicity differences, cultural and religious differences, disability status, income status, interest and ability differences, parental status, state of emotion. Accordingly, students have used mostly appearance differences in drawings. In addition to this, students have used categories reflecting positive and negative attitude towards differences is seen. These are butterfly, sun, cloud, flower, bird, swing arms, rainbow, balloon, tree, playpen, using bright colors, rain, using dark colors. Research results show that mostly categories reflecting positive attitudes towards differences have been used in drawings. However, some of students have used categories reflecting negative attitude towards differences. It is thought that research results are going to be considered as a resource for forward studies.

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