Teaching children about different cultures is an important part of raising open-minded, empathetic, and socially aware kids. Exposure to diverse perspectives allows children to appreciate differences and find common ground. The good news is that exploring cultures can happen through simple, fun activities woven into everyday life. Here are some ways to teach your child about the wonderful diversity of cultures in the world.
Expose Them To Diverse Media
One of the easiest ways to teach children about different cultures is through books, movies, TV shows, music, food, and more. This is a great idea whether they are your own children or you foster children with a faith based agency like Active Care Solutions. Read diverse children’s books with characters from different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Point out the cultural elements you notice and discuss them together. Watch movies and shows featuring a range of perspectives and experiences. Listen to music from around the world. All of these simple activities introduce children to the wonderful diversity of cultures.
Celebrate Holidays And Traditions
Marking holidays and traditions is a fun way for children to learn about cultures. Celebrate holidays your family traditionally observes, explaining their cultural significance. Also, celebrate holidays from other cultures, like Chinese New Year or Diwali. Prepare and eat traditional foods, decorate your home, and learn about holiday customs and the meanings behind them. Go beyond just the major holidays and learn about everyday cultural traditions too, like birthday rituals or rites of passage. Discuss how traditions differ between cultures but all have meaning.
Try New Foods
Food is an interactive, hands-on way for children to explore different cultures. Find restaurants that serve cuisines from around the globe and try new dishes together as a family. Shop at international grocery stores and let your child pick out foods they want to try. Prepare recipes at home from cookbooks showcasing cuisine from diverse cultures. As you sample foods together, discuss where they come from and what ingredients and techniques are used. Your child will realise there are many delicious and interesting ways to eat.
Travel
Visiting new places exposes children to diverse people and cultural experiences. Bring your child to districts in your area with distinct cultural identities, like Chinatown or Little Italy. Eat at locally owned restaurants, visit cultural sites and museums, and interact with community members. For even deeper experiences, travel internationally as a family. Immerse yourselves in other countries and cultures through museums, historical sites, activities, and of course, food! Travelling imprints on children how large and diverse the world is.
Make Friends
Having friends from different backgrounds is an impactful way for children to learn about cultures. Encourage your child to form friendships with children of diverse backgrounds at school, through sports and activities, or in your neighbourhood. Set up play dates and outings. When your child plays at a friend’s home, they will experience elements of that friend’s culture through food, family traditions, languages spoken, decor, and more. You can plan joint family activities too. These friendships build intercultural bonds.
Learning about different cultures creates open-mindedness, empathy, and an appreciation for diversity in children. Use these fun activities in your daily life to teach your child and broaden their worldview.
