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Multicultural art is important for preschool children for many reasons. In a typical classroom in the United States there are children that come from many backgrounds and cultures. This has been the case for many years, but the diverse mixture of students is growing each year.
Art comes in many forms and exists for many purposes.
In many cultures art is used as a form of expression and celebration and holds some of the most valued elements of cultural traditions. These art forms can be visual representations as well as music, dance, poetry, storytelling and more.
Learning about multicultural art serves several purposes.
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Respect
Arguably the most important purpose in teaching multicultural art is that it teaches children about other people. This is a simple concept, but when a child begins to understand another culture other than their own they can accept it and value it, even if this is just in small ways.
Arguably the most important purpose in teaching multicultural art is that it teaches children about other people. This is a simple concept, but when a child begins to understand another culture other than their own they can accept it and value it, even if this is just in small ways.
Empathy
Children can learn empathy in many ways and often develop this during their interactions with peers. Multicultural art experiences give children the opportunity to develop empathy through an understanding of other cultures.
Children can learn empathy in many ways and often develop this during their interactions with peers. Multicultural art experiences give children the opportunity to develop empathy through an understanding of other cultures.
Identity
Everyone has their own unique identity that is shaped by their culture’s values, traditions, and goals. Teaching multicultural art helps children understand this not only for themselves but for others as well.
Everyone has their own unique identity that is shaped by their culture’s values, traditions, and goals. Teaching multicultural art helps children understand this not only for themselves but for others as well.
Pride
Last, but not least, is the sense of pride or self-satisfaction that builds confidence and promotes a positive sense of self. Art supports this in many ways but when the combination of culture and art is made, there is deeper self-satisfaction for the artist.
Last, but not least, is the sense of pride or self-satisfaction that builds confidence and promotes a positive sense of self. Art supports this in many ways but when the combination of culture and art is made, there is deeper self-satisfaction for the artist.
