Young children have a natural curiosity about self and surroundings that motivates
exploration. The educational environment, therefore, should be one that provides the
child numerous and varied opportunities to explore, question and discover. The teacher,
as the individual ultimately responsible for establishing and maintaining an educational
environment that: 1.) promotes self-awareness; 2.) encourages positive, caring
interactions; and 3.) promotes pride in cultural heritage, must outline an appropriate plan.
The following strategies can help teachers design an educational atmosphere where each
child feels important, accepted, and respected as a contributing member of the class:
- MAKE DIVERSITY A NATURAL AND NORMAL PART OF THE PROGRAM
- Establish and maintain an educational environment that has representative and positive examples of diverse cultures (bulletin boards, learning centers, etc.)
- Prepare thematic units, lessons, activities and projects that incorporate diversity
- Focus on the “unique characteristics” of the diverse cultures discussed/ presented in the educational environment.
- Provide numerous and varied educational opportunities that enable young children to experience aspects of diverse cultures (Have parents from various cultures to teach children words, songs, stories, etc. Prepare foods from various cultures. Display clothing and discuss celebrations from various cultures).
- Use literature as a means of beginning a dialogue to identify what stereotypes or misconceptions children have about diverse cultures. Use this information to develop lessons and activities that introduce, review and reinforce diversity.
Young children are responsive and receptive when concepts and skills are presented at the
appropriate level. The classroom is an excellent social environment to provide experiences
that are a natural and normal part of the academic developmental process to support efforts
for learning to live with diversity.
