I teach second grade at a small charter school in the MacArthur Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. I think it important for them to realize they are all American considering they were all born in America, but I see a growing need for them to become familiar with their own cultural background.
This year I will put in place an ongoing curriculum that connects students to their culture with the goal of students identifying more with who they are. I plan to have students interview family members and research their families country of origin. I also plan to teach explicitly about each region and that countries traditions, people, food, clothing, housing, etc. I know this will also begin to formulate acceptance of others and an appreciation of peoples similarities and differences. I have touched on these ideas in the past in my classroom but not to the extent I have planned to do this school year. Students should know their heritage and have pride in confidently saying, "I am half Korean and half Guatemalan."
I am requesting books and flannelboard characters where students will begin to see photographs of people who look like themselves: pictures with Black, Asian and Latino faces. Also, books that give information specific to the Philippine islands, Mexico, El Salvador, Africa, Colombia, etc. will be added and featured in our classroom library. These materials will provide me with resources for information specific to my teaching and lessons. They will provide my students with exposure to authentic, quality literature. What a great way for us to find our identity and begin to build a strong community around appreciating each others cultures!
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