Celebrating Dads and Diversity

What is Juneteenth?

Despite its being signed as an official holiday on June 17, 2021 by then-President Barak Obama, Juneteenth (short for "June Nineteeth") has long been celebrated in African-American communities for over 150 years. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery during the latter years of the Civil War.

(Picture credits to Carroll University)

Why should teachers be concerned about cultural diversity in the child care setting?

From the time they are born, children learn and are curious about the world around them. From around time they are two to three years old, many children already are aware of various stereotypes and how different people are treated differently. All teachers and providers must embrace all types of diversity: cultural, linguistic, and ability diversity (a.k.a. CLAD). When they incorporate diverse and culturally responsive approaches to their teaching, children benefit in many ways.

Take a class on cultural diversity at H&H:

Multicultural Mural

Art brings not only children, but also teachers, together. Take a length of white butcher paper and anchor it to the wall. Children can dip their hands in paint and make handprints on the butcher paper. Teachers can enlist children's help in creating a picture of the Earth in the middle of the mural. This art can be displayed to other children and families.

(Picture credits to Babyah4)

Multicultural Feast

One of the main ways to teach about other cultures and traditions is to prepare foods from that culture! Teachers can plan to have an afternoon or a program-wide event in which children bring foods, snacks, or desserts from their culture, and be prepared to discuss them with others.

Teachers should keep in mind to inform parents of any food allergies (e.g. peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, eggs) that children may have.

(Picture credits to iLead)

Reading about Diversity

Children enjoy listening to a good book. Teachers can use Circle Time to read about diversity and lead a discussion with children about the importance of cultural diversity. A book teachers can read to their children is All Are Welcome written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman.

(Photo credits to Goodreads)