Multicultural art can be introduced and incorporated in many different ways. Preschool children understand the sometimes complex cultural traditions of many different people and will begin to appreciate and respect different cultures with more exposure to them. Some teachers will introduce multicultural art informally while others will create an extensive and form method of introduction.
Each preschool classroom has a different dynamic based upon the needs and habits of the group. Find which method will work best for your group and don’t be afraid to adjust as necessary.
The first element to be considered in introducing multicultural art is the child’s environment. Each preschool classroom should strive to include multicultural materials in order to create a respectful and inclusive environment. This can be done in multiple ways. Often the use of classroom materials with diverse characters and cultures is commonplace in early childhood education.
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Music, materials, languages, and themes from many cultures should be included in the classroom. This should be continued as well as extended in several ways. Having children share their culture with their peers is a wonderful extension idea. A simple “show and tell” type of activity can introduce the class to a new culture that their friend participates in. To further this activity, family members may come in and speak about their culture.
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Informal Introduction
An informal introduction to a new culture may come in the reading of a book, telling of a story, or the listening of a song. Think of an informal introduction as a simple exposure activity that allows children to ask questions and learn about a new culture. Many child care professionals will use an informal introductory technique when starting a new unit or exploration in many subjects. Specific to multicultural art, this method gives children a foray into the sights and sounds of the traditions within a culture. This will give them a familiarity and inspiration for future multicultural art projects.
An informal introduction to a new culture may come in the reading of a book, telling of a story, or the listening of a song. Think of an informal introduction as a simple exposure activity that allows children to ask questions and learn about a new culture. Many child care professionals will use an informal introductory technique when starting a new unit or exploration in many subjects. Specific to multicultural art, this method gives children a foray into the sights and sounds of the traditions within a culture. This will give them a familiarity and inspiration for future multicultural art projects.
Formal Introduction
A formal introduction to multicultural art may come in the form of a planned unit that will take place over several days or weeks. A teacher may plan these units around certain times of the year in order to connect the culture with relevant events in the child’s life such as holidays and seasons. The teacher may plan all of the elements of the program around this cultural unit such as the dramatic play area, sensory area, reading center and more. This formal approach works well for previously planned units and has value for many programs.
A formal introduction to multicultural art may come in the form of a planned unit that will take place over several days or weeks. A teacher may plan these units around certain times of the year in order to connect the culture with relevant events in the child’s life such as holidays and seasons. The teacher may plan all of the elements of the program around this cultural unit such as the dramatic play area, sensory area, reading center and more. This formal approach works well for previously planned units and has value for many programs.
Worth Noting:
Multicultural art and activities are important for children of all ages. It is important to present these ideas as a regular part of the program and not just a stereotypical craft every once in a while. For example, teaching Native American art only during the week leading up to Thanksgiving is really doing the culture a disservice. Cultures exist all year long and should be respected and revisited often, not only because of a traditional holiday that exists in our society.
Multicultural art and activities are important for children of all ages. It is important to present these ideas as a regular part of the program and not just a stereotypical craft every once in a while. For example, teaching Native American art only during the week leading up to Thanksgiving is really doing the culture a disservice. Cultures exist all year long and should be respected and revisited often, not only because of a traditional holiday that exists in our society.
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