Children's Literature

“A Country Far Away” by Nigel Gray, is a story that depicts the life of two children who live in different countries with varying cultures.  One boy lives in Africa, while the other boy lives in the United States.  The story parallels routines that each child does, however the photographs share with the viewer how each culture goes about their “routine” in a different way.  It is a great way to demonstrate perspectives of family life.

After reading this story together as a class, the children are asked to reflect on what country/countries their family is from.  In the classroom children will place a pushpin with their name on it, on the globe indicating where their family originated.  Some children might need to ask their grandparents and parents before completing this activity.  At the end, our globe will be filled with pushpins from all over the world!

Activities for Teachers and Parents on Africa (Geography, folktales, languages, toys, games, food, music, art etc.)

Multicultural Quilt

Exposing children to multiple cultures is an important aspect of any child’s life.  An exciting activity that allows for each child to highlight what is important from his or her culture is creating a square for a class Multicultural Quilt.  Each child will choose a custom or family tradition they wish to illustrate and describe on a square.  When all the children have completed their quilt piece, I will place the squares together to form our Multicultural Quilt, which reflects our class composition!

I chose to illustrate a birthday cake, which depicts my family tradition that on our birthday we place the knife into the cake upside down and the next family member whose birthday it is pulls the knife out so our wish comes true!

Choral Reading of Folktales

Another piece of children’s literature is “Always Room for One More” a Scottish folktale by Sorche Nic Leodhas, which focuses on family, kindness, and generosity to strangers.  This story was originally a song, which was later changed through oral tradition.  In class, I will use this folktale as a choral reading to help the children get the flow and be able to read it fluently as a class.  Since the folktale originated in Scotland, I have included a website with a great way to share one’s culture and tradition, and demonstrate the various occupations of the people of Scotland.  It is a great story to emphasize the importance of family!

Always Room for One More

Technology and Pop Culture

Technology in the classroom provides a wealth of opportunities for students to learn about multiculturalism!  I have selected a music video by K’Naan for the children to watch.  His video, “Wavin’ Flag” demonstrates a variety of cultures and a unique style of song and dance.  Throughout the video, K’Naan expresses for the people to wave their flag and be proud of where they are from.  I chose this video because it is an excellent example of why you should honor your culture and heritage.  (The song was used as the anthem for the 2010 World Cup!)

Wavin’ Flag by K’Naan

Lyrics – So students can read the lyrics too!

After children have viewed the music video and read the lyrics, I will invite children to create a flag that reflects the country his or her family is from.  On the back of the flag, students will describe what the colors symbolize.

What does your flag symbolize?

How can we Incorporate Children's Literature?

Children’s literature is a great way to get children to learn about various cultures.  I have selected the picture book, “Anansi the Spider: A Tale from Ashanti” by Gerald McDermott.  Anansi is a spider who has six sons who encounter various problems trying to rescue their father throughout the folktale.  It is an African folktale which focuses on family values and cooperation.

After reading “Anansi the Spider: A Tale from Ashanti” children will engage in an activity that invites them to retell a story that had been passed down from their parents or grandparents.   In this oral retelling, children can connect to their heritage and also improve their literacy skills.

I have included a website, which details why storytelling with children improves literacy skills and provides a link to a child's family.

Oral Storytelling with Children

What Does it Mean to be Multicultural?

According to Merriam Webster, multicultural means "of, relating to, reflecting, or adapted to diverse cultures."

In the classroom, children are invited to share their cultures, customs, and family traditions.  The following literature and activities invite parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles to get involved and share their cultures, family customs, and traditions with their children!  Remember, this is a great learning opportunity for all involved!