Multiculturalism for Kids

From LoveToKnow Kids

Multiculturalism for kids isn't just studying a few traditions of several cultures. It is actually letting your kids learn about and experience cultures different from their own.

Introducing your kids to multicultural topics is easier than you think.

About Multiculturalism for Kids

When we think of multiculturalism for kids, we often conjure up images of kids reading chapters in a social studies textbook, creating some type of craft project, and maybe watching videos of other countries. While of course all of these activities have their place, there is so much more to helping kids understand the essence of other cultures.

Because there is only so much time to cover the overwhelming amount of information that kids must absorb during a school day, in-depth studies of other cultures can be difficult to incorporate into a typical curriculum. In some school systems, there are gifted or advanced programs that may become more involved in singular studies, such as multicultural topics, but the majority of kids simply don't get the benefit of these immersive studies. So, how can kids really learn about other cultures?

You must dispel the general myths that are often associated with other cultures.
You should avoid stereotyping other people.
You should encourage kids to seek out the truth about those different from themselves.

Multiculturalism for kids should be an essential part of any school's curriculum, but learning about other cultures shouldn't end with the school day. Parents can play just as important a role in teaching their kids about other cultures.

Multiculturalism in the Classroom

If you are an educator, what do your kids see when they walk into your classroom? Books, bulletin boards, art supplies, ABCs, and 123s? While all of these items are important, if you don't have plenty of evidence of other cultures and parts of the world, then you are missing valuable opportunities to pique your students' interests in learning about those who are different from themselves. It doesn't matter what subject area you teach, you can broaden your students' awareness of the world near and far.

Colorful Displays-Try to find pictures of everyday life to erase the stereotypes that are often associated with other cultures. Let your kids see that kids all over the world may live very differently, but they also have much in common, whether it's games, music, television shows, etc.
Cooperative Projects-Divide the class into groups of three to five and let each group pull out a different culture from a hat. Then, hand out an assignment sheet that has each group looking for general information, such as countries, population, religion, etc. and more specific facts, such as recreational activities, music, favorite entertainers, hobbies, and food. They can create PowerPoint, Photo Story, or Movie Maker presentations. (Photo Story is a free Windows download, and kids love to work with this program!) Students can also create posters, travel brochures, and collages to illustrate what they've discovered.
Reenactments-Bring the information your students have found to life by letting them create ethnic foods, dress according to their cultural assignment's custom, and more.
Guest Speakers-Create a cultural fair by inviting multicultural speakers to come and talk to your class. This could be a great school-wide project!
Pen Pals-Find a pen pal exchange program for your class to participate in.
Multicultural Club-If your school doesn't already have a multicultural club, consider starting one.

Multiculturalism at Home

Once your kids get home, continue their lessons. You can make learning fun without your kids even realizing it!

Family Vacations-Just taking a trip to another area of the country can introduce your kids to other cultures. Stray off the beaten path (as long as the area is safe) and wander the streets of small towns, eating in cafes, visiting churches, and discreetly observing the locals.
Consider Foreign Exchange Programs-If you have a teenager at home, one of the best ways for him to experience another culture is to live that culture! Ask your school if they participate in foreign exchange programs.
Study Together-Pick a different culture every few months, and learn about that culture together. Cook ethnic foods once a week, travel the Web to find out little known information, create questions that family members must answer.

Multiculturalism for kids is fun for the classroom and the entire family. Bring the world to life for your kids!

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