Creating a Multicultural Classroom Environment

Culture refers to the "traditions, rituals, beliefs, and values that are shared amongst a group of people."  Each person is a part of at least one culture.  Some families participate in several cultures.


Multiculturalism refers to the "sharing of many cultures."


The first goal of a multicultural program is to assist children with recognizing differences, as well as similarities, among all people.  Allowing children to explore varying cultures creates opportunities for them to see that even when people have different customs and traditions, they often share some common traits, too.


Children learn that people can be different and unique, yet still have much in common.  Such realizations help young children learn to accept differences and aid in eliminating prejudice and racism.  These realizations assist children with accepting and respecting people from all cultures and backgrounds.


The second goal of a multicultural program is to encourage cooperative social skills.  As children learn to accept differences and similarities among people, they can work and get along with others better.  They begin to see other's viewpoints and individuality. The multicultural classroom assists children from minority cultures in developing cooperation and social skills in a setting that may be unfamiliar to them.  Their self-esteem is boosted as they are recognized and accepted for their individuality. They feel good about themselves as other children recognize the worth of their traditions and customs.  The early childhood program that is culturally sensitive will build the self-confidence of its children by integrating the cultures of all the children into learning experiences.


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The first ingredient for a successful multicultural program is the classroom teacher's knowledge of diverse cultures.  Take time to learn the backgrounds of your students, as well as the populations represented in your geographic area. Educate yourself on their beliefs, values, foods, and customs.  Share those with children as you incorporate them into learning experiences. Encourage children to ask questions that help them understand more about others who have a different background from their own.


Learn the traditions of each child in your classroom.  What holidays do they celebrate?  How do they celebrate birthdays?  How are they parented?  What are their favorite foods and family traditions?


The second ingredient a preschool teacher must have to successfully implement a culturally diverse classroom environment is an attitude of acceptance and respect for other cultures.  It requires an open mind that accepts and respects differences.  Children model what they see, so the teacher's inclusion and acceptance of different ideas, customs, and traditions helps them learn to accept and respect.


Helping children to compare, contrast, and learn about other cultures without making judgments about them requires this attitude of acceptance and respect. As teachers lead children to respect others who are different, they will begin to appreciate individuality.  As children grow and mature with these attitudes, they will have social skills that not only accept, but also applaud individuality.


The third critical ingredient for a teacher's success in implementing a culturally diverse classroom is the ability to add a multicultural perspective into curriculum planning and classroom management skills.  This requires careful consideration of children's cultures and traditions, and
necessitates planning to help other children experience them in learning centers and activities.


How does your program "measure up" as a multicultural environment?  Do you have multicultural materials?  Is diversity accepted and applauded?  Is the community well represented? Having children of differing cultures in the class can offer firsthand experiences and insight.  The customs and traditions of their cultures should definitely be represented in the learning environment.


Remember that providing the children with a multicultural program helps boost self-esteem and teaches them about acceptance and diversity.  A multicultural program will help children understand and work well with others as they grow and mature.


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Posted in: Education