Viewing Multiculturalism in Early Childhood Environments
1.Photos of Families: When families become apart of a preschool or daycare, ask the parents to bring in a photo of the family, then place the photo in a presentation format for everyone to view, such as a large tree titled The Family Tree or into a quilt like display with the title, Our Family Blanket. Make sure the photos are positioned in the room for everyone to see, yet low enough for young children to view.
2. Pictures of children placed up on the walls of the preschool classroom or daycare space representing diversity and inclusiveness.
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Visit http://www.globalfootprints.org/diversityposters |
Drama Area and Multiculturalism
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From Kid World Citizen |
One of the areas where different cultural items and customs can be included is in the drama center of a program. The kitchen set up can have empty boxes of food from people's home, or cuisine. There are many play foods made that are diverse, such as play sushi. Find clothes that are from other cultures and place into the dress up area, and most importantly, purchase dolls that represent different skin coloring and features of people.
Preschool Lesson Plans Featuring Multiculturalism
Preschool Songs, Music and Dancing
- He's(We've ) Got the Whole World in Our Hands
- I am special, I am special, You will see, you will see, someone very special, someone very special, yes it's me, yes it's me! (sung to the tune of Frere Jacques)
- Singing hello and good-bye in different languages
Preschool Activities to Teach Diversity and Inclusiveness
- Three Apples: find a green, red and yellow apple and ask the children how the apples are the same and how are they different. Then peel (optional) and cut the apples sideways to display the star. Ask the children if they see any differences or if the apples are all the same inside. The apples can then be sliced and enjoyed by the children. The discussion of differences and similarities can still be continued with the taste and texture of the apple slices.
- "I like...": in a circle, have each child turn to the child on their right or left and say, I like your (body feature) , such as eyes, hair or freckles. Encourage the children to say why they like the body feature chosen. Move around the circle. This exercise illustrates to children how we are all special in our own way.
- Make a Book: ask each child, I am special because? Or I am beautiful because? Record the answers, and then make a book for the classroom or group to read. The children can decorate their page with artwork of their choice.
Cooking Activities to Represent Cultural Differences
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Visit Sweetly Scrapped |
Visual Communication for Families
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http://www.lmspeech.com/products/preschool-class-schedule |
The teacher must remember to use visual aids in her communication, such as putting the preschool schedule into picture forms to view. When talking to parents, use the clock to discuss time and any other visual representation accessible. Similarly, with ESL children, using visual aides at circle time, such as felts on flannel boards helps with communication.