Children need to be taught about diversity, when children understand that this country consists of a big mixture of people that come to this country in search of a better life's, they are more likely to appreciate differences and learn from one another. As an ELL I found it very helpful when my teachers used to pick a country a week and speak about what people do in that country, the norms, holidays, inventions, and things that seemed fun for kids, it made one feel proud and appreciative of others. But how do we do it?, how do we even approach the topic?, it is like awaking the monster that needs not to be bothered, but it is essential that it is approached and that every effort is made to help students respect each other and ultimately learn to live in a world that consists of different people and cultures.
I found a website that explains prejudice, its consequences and what can we do to help our students be healthy non-prejudist adults. Here is the link: www.thirdage.com/healthgate/files/36554.html
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I like this link and I think that all teachers and administrators should look at it. Prejudice is taught in school even though it's considered a big no-no. The kids to it to each other. I have only seen one teacher in my experience that has taken an active role in trying to squash prejudice comments when she hears them. The best thing I have heard her tell children is that "your skin color is just another way to describe you, like blue eyes or curly hair; the only things you should form your opinions on is what a person does." People should only be judged by their actions, not what they look like - I'm so glad she's teaching the students that.
I agree with everything you are saying here, Lissette. I find that the more you make your students aware of different cultures, the more interested they will be in them. When students show interests, they will likely start to respect people of that culture. Another good point of this idea about making students aware of a certain country, is that any students from that country will feel "special" that week. What a good way to show appreciation and respect for other countries. I wish I had that when I went to school, I still feel I could learn more about other cultures.
I also found the website extremely helpful. I feel that as future teachers we should make all our students aware of the consequences and how to treat people with respect. Allowing students to understand prejudice and diversity is a very complex topic but it is so important in our society today.
I agree that students need to be taught diversity. One way that this can be done is through Multi Cultural day, as previously blogged.
"I think that all schools should implement a "Multi-Cultural Day" in some way shape or form. In my high school, the Jerseyan History Club would hold one of these events. It was a day long festivity where you were allowed to leave one of your classes to go down and enjoy the festivities. There was food, music, dancing, displays, clothes, etc. It was a great way to see the different cultures that surround you amongst your own peers. I think that it is very important to know and understand the different cultures that surround you and all over the world. Multi-cultural days are definately a great way to celebrate this awareness!"
I also think that it would be fun for teachers to incorporate a different country into a lesson each week. This way, every week students can learn about a different country and its culture. It is important that students understand diversity and where people come from so they do not have any biases towards cultures. I think this is just one step that can be taken to improve the world around us in the future. Remember, children are our future!
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