Multiculturalism: Today's Child

I have recently been researching "Multiculturalism" and have found the topic to be quite challenging! what do we teach kids? how do we teach it? what props do we add to our resources? what is appropriate to share? how do we not create stereotypes? At first I thought I'd focus on Celebrations around the world. This was a good idea. There is lots of information out there and it provides many ideas for games, costumes, decorations, and craft and cooking ideas. But then I started to research.
Creating Stereotypes choose educational resources carefully build awareness without building stereotypes	When we focus on special celebrations around the world, we show people in special costumes and participating in traditional activities. This is good, right? Well let's look at it from a child's perspective. Do they understand that this is a special event? Do they know what the people of this culture do on a daily basis? Are they seeing that they are the same as you and I? What visual imagery pops into their minds when you mention the culture? How are Canadians thought of around the world? Do we all live in igloos? Travel by dogsled? Ski or snowshoe all year round? Wear parkas and mukluks? Or perhaps we ride horses and wear cowboy hats as depicted in Calgary Stamped photos. And what about our police? Do they ride horses everywhere and wear red tunics? These are the images portrayed in posters, books, and toys. Our focus on traditions and celebrations has narrowed the view -- created stereotypes -- not removed them.
Focusing on the day-to-day life brings into the classroom a natural experience of other cultures. We know that kids need to learn through concrete experiences before they move onto abstract ideas. We teach them about themselves, their families, and their environment before we take them to places and things they haven't yet experienced. The same is with multiculturalism. What do kids understand? They know about daily routines. They know about going to school and to the store. They have experienced ball games and cookies and soup. This is real to them and this is what we need to show them about other cultures.
RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS know your limits bring in the experts and let them share and guide	My research has also made me question how we include religious celebrations into our curriculum. Being aware of religion and religious celebrations is important. Yes. Awareness lessens misconceptions and fear. True. However, have we considered the possible 'disrespect' we are showing for other cultures and religions? Religious ceremonies hold great importance in people's lives. They have deep spiritual meaning and are not games. What are we saying to children when we make light of a religious tradition by making props out of toilet paper rolls? or having children don ceremonial costumes and play in them? How would we feel if someone was making a game out of something precious in our lives? Again, how do we balance awareness with respect? We need to bring in guests. Let them share information about their culture, their religious ceremonies. Let them decide what the children can create and explore and how to do it respectfully. There is a difference between me making a paper plate Dream Catcher with children and a Native American doing the same activity.

RESOURCES	So what do we do? It's both simple and difficult! Simple: fill your room with books and pictures of other countries -- with children from different cultures interacting with others, doing daily routines. Bring in tools (cooking etc.) from other countries for children to use throughout the day. What is a good source for these things? Families in your classroom. This is where we need to begin. Start with the familiar. Help children accept differences in the classroom by exploring the traditions-- and accepting them. Difficult: they are hard to come by. We have, over the past many years, focused on the special costumes and events. Slowly however this is changing and there are puzzles and posters etc. that do show daily routines. "Wake Up, World" by Beatrice Hollyer is a wonderful book to have in your classroom.

BALANCING FAMILY CULTURES