Variety is the spice of life, and nowhere is that truer than in the company we keep. Encouraging your child to embrace differences is such an important skill for them to learn. How can you introduce your little one to the wider world around them? Keep reading for a few tips on the best ways to teach your child about other cultures.
Introduce Them to Multicultural Books
The organization We Need Diverse Books was started by a group of writers, illustrators, and publishers who wanted to provide variety in the topics, authors, and subject matter of children’s books. Introducing your child to different settings, characters, and situations and helping them value differences in their everyday life as well. There are so many wonderful authors to highlight here, but Patricia McKissack, Matt de la Peña, Jacqueline Woodson, and Maggie Tokuda-Hall are all great authors to start with.
Introduce Them to New Foods
Anthony Bourdain quipped that “Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start.” Trying new foods can serve as a doorway to other cultures and traditions. Changing up your family’s cuisine is one of the most enjoyable ways to introduce your child to new cultures. Arepas, injera, and gyoza all make for a delicious introduction to new places. Preschoolers love novelty and trying a new cuisine or a new ingredient could get them very excited about a meal or snack, especially if you share the cultural story of the food. If your child loves to help with food preparation, try out a new recipe, spice, or ingredient together in the kitchen. If you’re not a wizard in the kitchen, takeout from local restaurants is a wonderful way to expand your child’s palate while supporting small independent restaurants in your community
Attend Local Festivals
From Greek Festivals to Lunar New Year celebrations, local cultural festivals provide an immersive introduction to another culture for children. Some cities even have a festival day dedicated to showcasing the art, music, food, and dance of many different locations at once. A smorgasbord event can help introduce your child to everything from taiko drumming to capoeira, and everything in between.
Watch The Olympics Together
The opening ceremonies of the winter or summer Olympics are a celebration of the world’s cultures, as well as what unites us. It’s also a visual feast for the eyes as many different places and people are highlighted. As a fun family activity while watching, encourage your child to design a family flag or a family uniform. Once you’ve made a flag and donned your family gear, you can have a “torch” lighting and procession right in your own living room!
Introduce Music from All Parts of the World
The music, rhythms, and instruments from countries around the world can help your child learn that there are so many ways to make music. Throw a global dance party for your family, encouraging your kids to move their bodies to the music. For a little inspiration, look up videos of traditional dances such as the haka, flamenco, the hora, būyo, ballet, or hula.
Celebrating Every Single Child
The Gardner School celebrates the heritage and history of our students and their families. We serve as a home away from home for your little ones, and we value the unique story that every child brings to a classroom. To learn why parents choose The Gardner School to help their children to grow and learn, contact us to learn more or to schedule a tour.