Multicultural Education

Kendall’s Five Primary Goals for Multicultural Education #1 Teach children to respect others’ cultures and values as well as their own

Kendall’s Goal #2 Help all children learn to function successfully in a multicultural, multiracial society

Kendall’s Goal #3 Develop a positive self-concept in children who are most affected by racism

Kendall’s Goal #4 Help all children experience in positive ways both their differences as culturally diverse people and their similarities as human beings.

Kendall’s Goal #5 Encourage children to experience people of diverse cultures working together as unique parts of a whole community

Sleeter & Grant’s Research In 1994 extensive analyses of multicultural curricula in grades K-12 were conducted. Based on their research a model of five approaches was developed, and the human relations approach is utilized in our program.

The Human Relations Approach Is grounded on pro-social behaviors and positive interaction among people, Promotes positive feelings in children, Provides a sense of unity, tolerance, and acceptance of social diversity

Human Relations Approach Goal #1 Help students communicate with, accept, and get along with people who are different from them,

Human Relations Approach Goal #2 Reduce or eliminate stereotypes that students have about people,

Human Relations Approach Goal #3 Help students feel good about themselves as individuals and members of their group,

Human Relations Approach Goal #4 Prevent situations where children offend others by putting them down because of their affiliations or characteristics

Four Basic Principles for Teachers Is comprehensive throughout entire curriculum and is consistent to avoid sending mixed messages Uses a variety of teaching strategies with active involvement Uses real-life and child-relevant experiences Activities are built around success for all children which avoids competition and encourages participation

Suggested Daily Themes We are friends We care for people Sharing with friends I am important My family and yours We all have feelings Friends everywhere We can play together We live and work together We are alike & different

Classroom Environment What the child sees in the classroom sends an initial message which forms impressions and interpretations. Do the visuals on the walls and materials welcome and value all children?

Evidence of a Culturally Balanced ECE Environment is found in . . . Art & Literature Learning materials Music and movement Games and play activities Attitudes and behaviors

Positive Attitudes & Behaviors Attitudes are dispositions (one’s nature and frame of mind) that we have toward one another. Behaviors are overt (open and observable) or covert (hidden and disguised) actions that we exhibit in response to situations. Behaviors are guided by our attitudes!

Create a Culture of Peace in the Classroom Promote & model harmony and well-being, accept one another, treat each child equally, prevent stereotyping of others, and teach bias-free behaviors. We are all friends at Little Jags Preschool!