Cultural diversity is an important aspect of preschool education in a Montessori environment. Not only is it important that children learn to understand and accept diversity, but learning about cultural diversity is an excellent way to incorporate lessons about language, geography, science, and much more.
1. Art and Music
Montessori preschool art projects are a great way to introduce children to different cultural traditions and artistic styles. The children can create art inspired by different cultures, such as Chinese calligraphy or African tribal masks. Similarly, exposing children to music and dance from different cultures can help them to learn about the different ways that people express themselves around the world. The children can learn traditional dances from different cultures and listen to different types of music from around the world.
2. Observing Holidays
Celebrating holidays from different cultures can help children to learn about the different ways that people around the world celebrate important events. This includes national holidays that are designed to encourage diversity as well as calendar events including biannual solstice and equinox observances. The children can learn about different holiday traditions and participate in activities and crafts related to the holiday.
3. Food and Clothing
Introducing Montessori children to different types of food from different cultures can help them to learn about different cultures and appreciate the diversity in the world. The children can try foods from different countries, discuss the flavors and textures, and learn about the cultural significance of the food. The clothes people wear in different regions became the cultural norm because of climate, resource availability, and other factors. Learning about traditional costumes will help children understand how different cultures developed.
These activities can help children appreciate and celebrate diversity and develop a sense of empathy and understanding towards people from different cultural backgrounds. They can also be combined, and used with other activities such as learning to sing a song in a different language, exploring how other languages have influenced English, and more. The human race is extraordinarily diverse, yet we are all individual parts of one human family.
