EXAMPLES

Math - Integrating multicultural activities into mathematics instructions at all grade levels can help foster appropriate and desirable attitudes about mathematics and its role in our culture. (Piccolino, 1998). In a kindergarten classroom, it would be effective to implement small changes to the curriculum that represent the cultures in my classroom. When we are counting, I can use foods or items from various cultures to count. For example, we can use a tortilla to learn the shape of a circle and count tortillas. We can use math manipulatives from different cultures too. We can ask students to bring their own tokens or manipulatives from home (Harrington, 2023). Before we begin the math lesson, students can give a brief show-and-tell on how their manipulative is relevant to their culture or everyday life.

EXAMPLE:

History: A multicultural approach to American history means that historians should attempt to interpret history from a different point of view than a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant point of view, which has been the status quo in American history for American history (Nicholas, 2023). Supplementing and adding books from different cultural points of view, is an effective way to represent different cultures in the classroom, especially regarding history.

EXAMPLE:

Multicultural story telling engages children in diverse narratives and immerses young minds in the richness of global traditions and lived experiences, fostering empathy and understanding (Connolly, 2024). We have that at the core of an inclusive classroom is empathy, respect, and understanding. Storytelling provides perspectives that foster these qualities.

Art pieces from various cultures and multiple perspectives on historical events are practical and effective ways to integrate multicultural curriculum. Art holds so much rich culture and perspectives.

Involving parents by having good communication, volunteer opportunities, and establishing a good relationship with them gives students the best outcomes. As indicated in the research literature, parental involvement in education is a significant factor in any child's educational success (Phillips, 2024).

Using books, stories, math manipulatives, and opening up conversations that represent the different cultures in the classroom can be done with many subjects. Even just making small changes will help students feel recognized and understood.

Harrington, D. (2023, January 25). Using math manipulatives with cultural connections builds relationships. SmartBrief. https://www.smartbrief.com/original/manipulatives-with-cultural-connections

Nicholas, S. (2023). Multicultural Curricula. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

Phillips, K. (2024). Inclusive Education. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

Piccolino, A. V. (1998). Integrating multicultural activities across the mathematics curriculum.       Bulletin, 82(597), 84. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/019263659808259714