A college French department presented "French Day" at a local department store complete with food, costumes, cafe, entertainment and French lessons. (CHK)

The Plantain Project focuses on the vulnerable aspects of children's local environments. The project is designed to safeguard children in their own communities in Kristiansand, Norway through the participation of local elementary schools. Project ideas include sharing cultural experiences outdoors in nature to increase community spirit. The…

Maintains that the study of art history should be learning about all forms of art work from every culture and relating it to the present. Describes how one art teacher uses puppetry to actively involve students in art history. Recommends that teachers look to the great teachers and their own teaching for such lessons. (KM)

The institutional structure that supports the arts in the United States needs to be transformed so that it reflects both the internal cultural diversity and the global perspective appropriate for the 1990s. In developing a more comprehensive and equitable system, policymakers should be guided by social science research on the cultural needs and…

Discusses hosting a Dia de Los Muertos, or a Day of the Dead, procession and festival to remember victims of school or community violence. Traditionally, the festival is a means for life embracing death and of honoring the dead. Describes the procession and festival and addresses the making of altars. (CMK)

Although many teachers acknowledge that language and culture are critical components of children's development, actually incorporating materials representative of children's cultures remains a problem. This article explains how the dramatic play center is a natural place to promote multicultural awareness in the classroom and offers suggestions…

This book, appropriate for use in grades 3-6, presents information about nine regions of the world: Malaysia; Costa Rica; Taiwan; New Mexico, United States; Japan; India; Nigeria; Thailand; and China. Each region is presented in a three part format: (1) Background information provides a look at the geographical location, the flag, and the social…

Developed as a study guide for teachers and students participating in the Peace Corps' World Wise Schools program, the primary purpose of this document is to enhance correspondence with a Peace Corps Volunteer and to help students gain a greater understanding of a different culture and region of the world. The activities encourage students to…

This illustrated children's book describes the American Indian powwow, an important element of contemporary Native American life in the United States and Canada. The main character of the book, Tess, is a Native American. She explains to her classmates at school about the origin and meaning of the powwow and also about the wars between the Indians…

This teachers' booklet focuses primarily on eight short lessons about cultural, historical, or annual events related to October. Information is provided on the following: the month of October; Fire Prevention Day; Columbus Day; United Nations Day; the birthdays of Presidents James E. Carter, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Theodore Roosevelt; and…

Designed to acquaint teachers and students with aspects of a particular ethnic group's culture, this booklet contains background information and classroom activities related to the Chinese New Year. The first of two parts contains a bibliography of fiction and nonfiction materials, an annotated list of nonprint materials and articles for teachers,…

This curriculum guide describes activities for fifth and sixth grade students to enhance their awareness of intergroup similarities and intragroup differences. The activities, which include games, discussions, and experiments, can be used by teachers to help students deal with conflictive interpersonal situations. The goal of the program is to…

The words to 41 traditional Indonesian songs and 3 standard Christmas carols are presented as supplementary material to the beginning language course in Indonesian. Knowing these songs will contribute to the student's appreciation of the Indonesian culture and customs. Though English translations are only provided for the titles, explanatory…

The Jicarilla Apache people celebrate a young girl's coming of age by having a feast called "Keesda". Derived from the Spanish word "fiesta", "Keesda" is a Jicarilla Apache word meaning "feast". This feast is held for four days, usually during the summer months. However, it may be held at any time during the…