multi cultural activities

  • Preschool Thankssgiving

    Thanksgiving Pie Experiment

    I know that there are very strong opinions about using food for preschool activities, and I understand both sides of the argument.  Personally, I believe that food is something that brings us together.  It is a powerful way to open children’s minds to new experiences, and to introduce them to cultural experiences.  I am especially partial to taste-tests as science and social studies activities because it gives me the opportunity to expose children to something that they may not ever encounter at home. I’ve been known to taste test fruits and vegetables, in order to introduce new foods and encourage children to be open to trying new things.  This particular…

  • Pie Filling Taste Test

    I know that there are very strong opinions about using food for preschool activities, and I understand both sides of the argument.  Personally, I believe that food is something that brings us together.  It is a powerful way to open children’s minds to new experiences, and to introduce them to cultural experiences.  I am especially partial to taste-tests as science and social studies activities because it gives me the opportunity to expose children to something that they may not ever encounter at home. I’ve been known to taste test fruits and vegetables, in order to introduce new foods and encourage children to be open to trying new things.  This particular…

  • Cultural Sensitivity and Winter Holidays

    Some teachers live for the holiday season and cannot wait to introduce holiday themed activities, others are more apprehensive about planning activities that meet the needs and beliefs of all of their students, and still others work in schools where policies prevent them from using any holiday-related materials whatsoever.  I’ve met and worked with teachers who fall into all three groups, and I myself tend to end up in that middle category.  Whichever of the three groups you find yourself belonging to, here are a couple of my tried and true resources for handling the holidays while still be culturally sensitive. First thing’s first, this little parent letter has saved…

  • Friday Freebie – Parent Letter about Holiday Celebrations

    It's a little early for this particular freebie, but it fits really well with this week's parent communication theme, so you can download it and file it away for later in the year.  This is the letter that I send out every year before winter holidays (usually the beginning of November so I have plenty of time to get it out, get it back, and start planning). It lets parents know why I like to include holiday activities on my lesson plans and gives them the opportunity to share what their preferences are when it comes to discussing holidays in the classroom.This is a great way to make sure that…

  • Celebrating Mardi Gras in Preschool

    Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday, and every year I celebrate with my students.  Exploring Mardi Gras gives my students the opportunity to participate in a holiday that many of them do not celebrate at home, but they can definitely appreciate the basic components of this holiday – sweet treats, parades, masks, and music. I show my students some photos of Mardi Gras celebrations during circle time. You can find a lot of pictures on Google Images, just be sure to preview them first! It helps to search for children’s parades, and my students also love to see pictures from the dog parades, and of the big parade floats. We always start…