by Myca Belknap

Created on: August 10, 2009

In order for a class to have a multicultural education which is inclusive the children must be exposed to ideas and experiences outside of their normal day to day routine. Some of the necessary steps to insuring the success of a multicultural program include the use of an inclusive curriculum by placing the student at the center of the teaching and learning process (Johnson, Musial, Hall, Gollnick, Dupuis p. 113), incorporating the children's diverse cultures and experiences, and making adjustments to accommodate the special needs students.

Curriculum is the foundation upon which the structure of the class room is built. A good, multicultural curriculum will include pictures and references to a variety of socioeconomic classifications and will promote human rights and respect for cultural differences (Johnson et al. 2005 p. 113). If the curriculum supplied by Happy Valley Elementary School is not appropriate then adjustments can be made by using books and articles from the internet and library to supplement and balance out the children's education. For instance, during teacher read time or group reading (language arts) a book on the Underground Railroad or about Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights movement would introduce the students to black history. Similarly other books for teacher read (or group reading) could be chosen to reflect Native American, Latino, and Asian cultures and history. In some cases children (or their parents) could be asked to suggest a book. Another option for teaching would be to have a parent of a foreign child come to speak to the class and answer questions. Social Studies would be a good time to incorporate such guest speakers. Examples of guest speakers would be an African American grand parent who remembers Dr. King, Jr., a Latino parent or grand parent to speak about their country, and so on. Child participation and inclusion is key to learning and developing interest in diversity.

Often times the children's own experiences can be the best teaching tool. Children with close ties to their native country can give great insight into understanding different cultures. Many children are hands on learners and need to experience and not just hear about new or different concepts. Field trips, movies, and hands-on projects to follow up study and class room work can be fun and increase subject retention. Some examples would be having a world day in which the students are divided up into small groups and each group chooses

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