Multiculturalism and Diversity

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Multiculturalism and Diversity

 

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.

Professional Articles and Resources

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.

Lesson Plans and Activities

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.

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.

Teaching "Diversity": A Place to Begin
Early childhood experts Dora Pulido-Tobiassen and Janet Gonzalez-Mena share tips on teaching diversity in the classroom.

Plugged In
Importing International Teachers

Staff Workshop Teacher Handout: Making the Most of Multicultural Materials
Huber discusses on promoting multicultural awareness through dramatic-play centers. Although many teachers acknowledge that language and culture are critical components of children's development, the actual incorporation of diverse materials remains a problem for a number of reasons. For more information, see the related Workshop Instructions linked to the main article.

ONLINE ACTIVITY	The Underground Railroad: Escape from Slavery Student Activity Follow a runaway slave to freedom along the Underground Railroad in 1860. The RR is a secret network of hiding places and brave people. For...