OUTLINE: Term Project

The Importance of Multicultural Literature in the Elementary Classroom 

a.       What is multicultural literature:

1.Books that reveal the cultural wonders of the world to help children explore diversity and gain understanding in the importance of tolerance of cultures different than their own.

2. Each book is based on a different point of view so with many books children recognize that everyone is human, everyone is different.

b.      Why it is important: (goals)

1.The U.S. is seeing the greatest rise in immigration since the early 1900’s and classrooms are going to get more and more diverse as the years continue.

2. Children in the classroom, no matter what their cultural background needs to feel accepted in the classroom.  When a student can relate to a character, they feel part of that acceptance

3. It is important for children to read books about characters and situations that reflect their own culture.

4. Students reading about other cultures might find things in the characters that are similar in them, which increases their ability to accept differences.

c.       How it works:

1.It is impossible to “teach a culture” in a limited time so by introducing students to many cultures without introducing stereotypes will allow them to realize the wide array of differences among the world.

2. Educators need to use literature that reflects diverse situations to promote more effective learning for all students.

3.Through literature a child can face the same issues that the characters face. 

4. Children enjoy reading about others who remind them of themselves.

d.      Teachers responsibility:

1.Teachers need to motivate student interest in reading.

2.They need to be conscious of their personal backgrounds and biases.

3.Teachers need to facilitate proper discussions about the readings.

4.Some teachers need training in multicultural education.

e.       Problems:

1.      There are issues concerning the amount of multicultural literature that is available and whether or not people from a different culture can write about someone else’s culture.

f.        Conclusion:

1. Research has shown that storybook, accompanied by discussion, can significantly improve a child’s acceptance of others.

Term Project: The Importance of Multicultural Education in the Elementary Classroom
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Outline: Term Project
The Importance of Multicultural Literature in the Elementary Classroom
http://www.cocc.edu/wr316ca/erind/TermProject/outline.htm
©Erin Donnell 2002
Last revised: July 08, 2002