ABSTRACT
Encountering ethnic diversity in preschool does not guarantee that children will develop friendships or a feeling of community across ethnic borders. The chapter discusses what opportunities exist for children to experience belonging with peers in interethnic play. The data consisted of observations from interethnic play situations in one Norwegian preschool, with children ages 3 to 5 years. Shared involvement in a respectful interaction with freedom for individual expression are important conditions for experiencing belonging. Early childhood practitioners have an important role as creators of opportunities for friendships and experiences with belonging among the children in preschool.
