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Diversity

The need for multicultural education in our schools has been well documented. Much of the rationale is based on current and projected multicultural student populations, and on philosophical positions supporting egalitarian values in a democratic society (e.g., Lisi & Howe, 1999). Yet we know little about how racial minority schoolchildren perceive multiculturalism in their schools. What is multiculturalism to them? Do they value multiculturalism in their classrooms?

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?

Our world is full of different types of people. It is very important for children to understand that all people are different. These differences should be understood and appreciated. There are two main aspects of diversity that children will most likely encounter in the classroom. One is learners with special needs. Included in this category are children with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Children need to be able to understand the problems of others and help to make all students feel comfortable. Another part of diversity comes from the many cultures that are a part of the United States. Children need to respect and admire different cultures. They also need to realize that minority groups have faced a large amount of unnecessary hostility. All of this will help children to learn more about themselves and the people around them. It will foster respect and appreciation for others.

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.  

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. 

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. 

Cultural Differences and Education

Promoting Multiculturalism in the Early Grades
article by an elementary school principal

Celebrate Diversity!
short piece advocating multiculturalism in the classroom

Cultural Diversity and Early Education
Report of a Workshop

School Reform and Student Diversity: Findings and Conclusions
U.S. Department of Education publication

Cultural Diversity in the Classrooms
addresses various issues and gives ideas for promoting multiculturalism in the classroom, from Teacher Talk

Multicultural curriculum isn't the answer
opinion article

Making the Familiar Strange: Cross Cultural Conceptions and Impressions of Secondary Reform in Japan and the United States
Education Reform in the Asia-Pacific

Education Alliance for Equity and Excellence
organization based at Brown University that responds to the needs of diverse student populations in the public schools

Equity and Cultural Diversity
links to articles in ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Eduacation

Resource List Links for resources relating to multicultural education and cultural diversity issues worldwide.

Diversity
list of links to articles on diversity and children from National Network for Childcare

Bilingual Education:

Helping ESL/EFL students with language and study skills at tertiary level
addresses the problems in bilingual education and how a program at Murdoch University in Australia addresses those problems

Model Strategies in Bilingual Education: Professional Development
U.S. Dept. of Education

Bilingual Reading Instruction
methods and materials to help bilingual students learn to read

Focus on Bilingual Education
May/June 1998 issue of the Harvard Education Letter

Bilingual Education Network
information to help develop programs and services to help bilingual students "achieve their highest potential in California schools"

International Organization for Migration
on-line clearinghouse for migration-related information

National Center for Bilingual Education
disseminates information for effective instruction of bilingual students

Bilingual Education Resources on the Internet
from the University of Texas

Ebonics:

Black English: Its History and Its Role in the Education of Our Children
very informative paper written by a Princeton University Student

Where We Stand
by Albert Shanker (President, American Federation of Teachers)

The Ebonics Plague
opinion article
The Ebonics Plague, Part II

Center for Applied Linguistics: Ebonics Information Page

Latest Stories in the news about ebonics from Yahoo

Ebonics or Black English: Links to Articles

Multiculturalism and Diversity Today's classroom is more diverse than ever before.
Today's classroom is more diverse than ever before. We've compiled tips from experts, lesson plan ideas, and ready-to-go activities that speak to the backgrounds of all your students.
	Teaching Diversity: A Place to Begin Two early childhood experts share tips on teaching diversity in the classroom.
	Helping Children Develop a Sense of Identity This article explains the importance of identity in the lives of young children and explores the ways that kids develop a sense of racial identity.
	It's Not So Black & White An expert on psychology and education shares her wisdom on teaching about sticky race-related issues.
	Many Languages, Many Cultures Get advice on working with children and families from different cultures, fostering bilingualism, and encouraging tolerance and self-esteem in your classroom.
	How to Choose the Best Multicultural Books Get 50 great book recommendations, plus advice from top educators, writers, and illustrators on selecting multicultural literature.
	Speaking Their Language Learn how to successfully reach out to immigrant parents in just a few simple steps.
	Connect with Kids and Parents of Different Cultures Find out how to build good relationships with your students' diverse families.
	Teaching in a Multicultural Classroom Three teachers share the challenges and joys of teaching in a classroom with children from different cultures.
	Holidays in Multicultural Classrooms Three teachers talk about how they handle the celebration of holidays in multicultural American classrooms.
	Internet Field Trip: Holiday Stories Celebrate the holidays in your classroom by sharing stories from cultures around the world.
	Internet Field Trip: Celebrate Mexico Plan a unit on our southern neighbor with the help of these online resources.
	Internet Field Trip: Celebrate Chinese New Year! Use these sites to ring in the Lunar New Year or teach your class about Chinese culture any time throughout the year.
	Web Sitings: Native Americans Plan a unit on Native Americans with these online resources on crafts, language, and more.
	Games Around the World Introduce your students to these fun pastimes from different cultures.
	Around the World: Teacher's Guide These activities reflect the richness and diversity of cultures around the world. Create a multicultural unit for your classroom or select specific activities to supplement your curriculum.
	Culture & Change: Black History in America Direct your class to this online center honoring the rich heritage of African Americans. Students can explore an interactive timeline, read about famous African Americans, and publish their own thoughts online.
	Celebrate Hispanic Heritage This online center is the perfect place for students to have fun as they learn about Hispanic heritage. It includes an interactive map, information on famous Latinos, a Spanish vocabulary game, and more.
	Immigration: Stories of Yesterday and Today Take your students on a virtual field trip to Ellis Island with our online activities about immigration, including an interactive tour, an oral history scrapbook, and a variety of research starters.

Web Sites

• EdChange
  A collection of resources for educators including free hand-outs, awareness quizzes, the Social Justice News Service, information on the Social Justice Speeches Project, a multicultural song index, awareness activities, information on Voices! Intercultural Poetry Exchange, plus quips and quotations.

• National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME)
  NAME brings together individuals and groups with an interest in multicultural education. An active, growing organization, it includes members throughout the United States and abroad who encompass the spectrum of professional educators and specialists, including early childhood, classroom and higher education faculty, administrators, psychologists, social workers, counselors, curriculum specialists, librarians, scholars, and researchers. Persons affiliated with teacher education, ethnic studies, ESL and bilingual education, social science, anthropology, liberal and fine arts programs, and other departments, colleges, and schools with an emphasis on multiculturalism are also encouraged to join. NAME publishes a quarterly journal on multicultural education, hosts national and international conferences, and provides leadership in national and state dialogues on equity, diversity, and multicultural education.

• National MultiCultural Institute (NCMI)
  NMCI works with individuals, organizations, and communities to create a society that is strengthened and empowered by diversity. Through its initiatives, NMCI leads efforts to increase communication, understanding, and respect among people of diverse backgrounds, and addresses important systemic issues of multiculturalism. NMCI sponsors leading edge projects as well as conferences in the spring and fall; holds individualized organizational training and consulting interventions; and produces publications.

• Teaching Tolerance
  Teaching Tolerance supports the efforts of K–12 teachers and other educators to promote respect for differences and an appreciation of diversity. As part of its mandate, Teaching Tolerance publishes a semiannual self-titled magazine that profiles educators, schools and programs promoting diversity and equity in replicable ways. In addition, they produces and distributes free, high-quality anti-bias multimedia kits. At the Web site, visitors can find:
• Teaching Tolerance magazine, including current and back issues
• Ordering instructions for multimedia kits, handbooks, and other resources 
• Web-exclusive features such as "Writing for Change"—lessons that challenge bias in language
• Classroom activities and resources, classified by subject and grade level.