The stand “Cultural Diversity”
When young children enter kindergarten or school, they get to know people from a wide variety of cultures. It is natural for them to notice similarities and differences and express curiosity, and teachers should not only model acceptance of diversity but also see it as a force. The class discussion should emphasize how great it is to have so many children in the class who share similarities and differences and how differences make each of us unique and special. An excellent way would be to create a zone of cultural diversity, a kind of stand with pictures of different colors and eye shapes, hair color/length, favorite dishes, traditions, and characteristics of different nationalities. Thus, in the discussion, children study how people are similar and different from each other. Proudly showing similarities and differences is a great way to teach students the value of diversity.
Calendar of holidays
In the spiritual life of representatives of various cultures and ethnic groups, holidays with various customs, rituals, and ceremonies take an essential place. At the same time, the holiday acts as a means of uniting people, renewing specific social ties, and performing a communicative and integrative function. Pupils are invited to compose an illustrated “Calendar of Holidays” – to arrange various festive events in chronological order and select the appropriate pictures for them. Examples of national holidays and festivals include Chinese New Year, Venice Carnival, Brazilian Carnival, Holi, Hanami, New Year, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. In parallel, as a voice charging, a teacher can ask such questions as: “What holidays do you know?” or “What are your favorite holidays?” Thus, throughout the year, a teacher can refer to this calendar, and compare how this or that holiday is celebrated in different cultures and which cultures have unique traditions of celebration.
