Kathy Seitzinger Hepburn from Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development stated “Numerous research studies about the early process of identity and attitude development conclude that children learn by observing the differences and similarities among people and by absorbing the spoken and unspoken messages about those differences. By teaching children to respect different cultures, children gain positive feelings about themselves and learn to live and work together respectfully.”

Infants: Celebrating Family - Families vary in size, cultural background, and configurations. Focus on the five ways of how we all are alike: We all eat; we all work; we all play; we all live in some sort of dwelling, and we all wear clothes. For infants books and music are an easy way to introduce different cultures especially rhythm instruments from other cultures that they can play with.

Toddlers: Cultural Heritage/Food - To become sensitive to cultural differences it is vital that you become aware of you own culture and how it influences the messages you send. Food is a precious natural resource, and is grown in different climates. Cultures and families have different food preferences and eating habits so their food is prepared in many different ways using different utensils. Make a recipe book featuring handed-down family and friends recipes. Plan a potluck dinner and ask friends and family to bring a favorite food from their culture or their favorite food from another culture. Make sure to involve children in the cooking. They will be much more willing to try and taste something they have made.

Preschoolers: Racial Heritage/Clothing – There are many different styles of hats, shoes and outerwear that different families use. These relate to the climate they come from and the natural resources they have available including a multitude of interesting fabrics found throughout the world. Make a prop box with various clothing worn from a variety of cultures including saris, kimonos, serapes, and dashikis. Collect work uniforms to use in the dramatic play area. Be careful not to stereotype families.

Include music, poetry, literature, and many types of art. Input from families and friends can help you reflect cultures appropriately and enhance your efforts to provide a multicultural experience for children. Involving family and friends can not only show respect but can help them feel good about what they can contribute as well as help children feel proud of their racial and cultural background. The local library is a wonderful resource for multicultural books, records, tapes, and other materials that support racial and cultural heritage.

This multicultural approach is about understanding and integrating all learning experiences. It ties young children to their world of school, family and community.

Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and test of our civilization - (Mahatma Gandhi)