Multicultural Classroom

Multiculturalism must be promoted in classrooms through various means including literature, current events, book reports, history unit, magazines, and discussions because we live in a multicultural society. Some suggestions are discussed below and relevant for an elementary school classroom.

Forgotten Door written by Alexander Key is a read aloud raising the topic of prejudice. In the story, some people in the town don't like this new boy who has suddenly appeared. They think he's an Indian and refer to him as a 'wild' boy. The boy is different from the other townspeople because he has a deep respect for nature and animals and knows nothing about war and stealing. A family decides to help him regardless of the trouble this causes them. Students will recognize the prejudicial behaviors immediately and express empathy for the boy. This book helps raise awareness in the classroom about how some people's opinions are not justified or appropriate.

Sounder written by William H. Armstrong is an appropriate literature unit selection. Students will learn about why it was not easy for the black family to just move and get a better life. Along with assistance, children will understand that after slavery ended, many slaves became sharecroppers. Discuss how difficult it is to start a new life when you have no education, money, or assistance. Children should comprehend how awful it must be to not be liked just because of the color of your skin.

Current Events like CNN articles should be posted in the front of the classroom. Have an entire news section that is continually updated with news articles relevant to multiculturalism. Give a brief synopsis of each article to spark interest in students reading further.

Number the Stars written by Lois Lowry is a book that explores World War II through the eyes of a ten-year old girl. Students will learn about the historical background of WWII and prejudicial and violent actions taken towards Jewish people at that time. Children will talk about stereotypes, and why a group of people would follow such an evil leader like Hitler.

A Middle Ages Unit addresses major themes surrounding money, power, and cultural differences resulting in two churches, the crusades, and feudalism to name a few. To make meaningful connections, students should explore the themes' relevance in today's world like religious battles, the war in Iraq, and class systems. One thing that students will most likely point out is that the church has no say in our government today because of separation of church and state. Children will recognize that just because people's skin and traditions are different doesn't mean that they're stupid or less capable of functioning in society. Women's rights can also be talked about. Students should conclude that life would be boring if we were all the same. Encourage students to recognize that all the wonderful foods we eat here in America are due to the immigration of a variety of people over a long period of time.

Time Magazine and National Geographic for Kids exposes students to a variety of worldwide issues not necessarily focused upon in class, but they are informed individually during free time.

The Day of Ahmed's Secret written by Florence Parry Heide & Judith Heide Gilliland is a read aloud at the beginning of a writing lesson. It is informative for the students to hear about how other children live in other parts of the world. When they realize that the secret is the boy could write his name, they will be surprised because he is quite old to just be learning how to write his name.

The Librarian of Basra written by Jeanette Winter is a read aloud during an Islam unit. The story is about a library being destroyed during a time of war. Students learn about how other cultures with children their age are living around the world in fear rather than in peace.

Children Just Like Me by Anabel Kindersley reveals to students how children around their age live in other parts of the world. Students find the clothing, food, and traditions fascinating.