This guide is designed to replace the ignorance, misinformation, and negative stereotypes that many students hold about the Soviet Union and its peoples with a reasoned and rational outlook based on critical thinking and class activities. The introduction to these activities provides background and a rationale for teaching about the Soviet Union.…

Students are introduced to the Haida language as well as to traditional Haida foods in this booklet, one in a series of curriculum materials on Southeast Alaska Natives. Ten selections written in simple language describe a Haida barbecue, Indian bread, sea cucumbers, black sea weed, the edible pulp sap of Hemlock, Indian ice cream made from soap…

This elementary-level thematic unit on India was designed to serve as a stepping stone toward the goal of mutual respect among children of different backgrounds. This unit may take one to four weeks depending on the class time. To expand children's awareness of the Indian culture, many hands-on activities are included. This unit was developed with…

This teacher's guide, designed for use with elementary age students, contains units of study about eight countries, their inhabitants, customs, and nationally celebrated events with special emphasis on music and food traditions. Countries represented by the units in this guide include Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, The…

This book was written by 82 students in grades 3-7 at Westridge Elementary School (Littleton, Colorado) during a summer enrichment class. The book was written for anyone who wants to learn about Hispanic culture and heritage. Chapter 1 gives an overview of Hispanic history, beginning in the 1400s. This chapter discusses the ancestors of Hispanic…

Developed as a supplemental curriculum guide for elementary teachers, the guide assists in implementing Native American activities to classroom curriculum to make students aware of the numerous tribes within the state of Washington. Divided in three geographic, cultural areas (Northwest Coast region, Puget Sound Lowlands region, and Plateau…

Students learn Tlingit survival practices and lore in this booklet of stories and learning activities. Five readings discuss fire making methods, edible wild foods, weather conditions, and shelter; information is related to the resources of Southeast Alaska and to typical survival situations; e.g., storms at sea and dense fogs. Narratives relate…

Asserts that celebration of holidays, long a significant aspect of elementary social studies, has been abandoned by many schools because of controversy. Argues that holidays serve important societal functions and are part of the public culture. Provides criteria for establishing school policies about holidays and their celebration. (CFR)

This curriculum guide is intended: (1) to expose students to the people and customs of Michoacan, Mexico; (2) to explore the meaning of traditional Day of the Dead customs through hands-on experiences; and (3) to build the self-esteem of second language learners of Mexican descent. During the study, students whose primary language is Spanish read…

Intended to help teachers for grades K-6 accurately present the events surrounding the first Thanksgiving, this guide features an historically accurate story for children, historical background for teachers, and activities for expanding and enriching instruction. The introduction discusses the need for teachers to be honest and informative about…

In their own language, Tewa Pueblo people have no word for art. Pottery, painting, embroidery, dancing, and other "art" forms are not considered separate from life; they are synonymous with work, thoughts, and expressions. In this collection, artwork by the children of Santa Clara, San Ildefonso, San Juan, Pojoaque, and Nambe Pueblos…

Maintains that all cultures celebrate holidays, but, in U.S. elementary schools, holidays generally are given superficial treatment. Suggests using holidays from other nations to begin studying the geography, history, and culture of those countries. Provides descriptions of seven teaching ideas based on this approach. (CFR)

Investigated how Mexican-American student teachers expressed their cultural knowledge in lesson planning and implementation. Semistructured interviews with Mexican-American student teachers working in elementary Professional Development Schools revealed little ethnic expression, even when teaching Mexican-American children. They were never invited…

Recalls a week-long field study trip to a reconstructed historic site, Barkerville, British Columbia. Ten years later the participants remembered the experience. The students overwhelmingly agreed that the experience sparked their imagination and created a real connection to the historical past. Includes brief excerpts from the interviews. (MJP)

This guide emphasizes the inclusion of traditionally under-represented cultural groups by recognizing calendar events of multicultural significance. The approach presumes that activities centered in the cultural understandings and experiences of diverse students encourage general student involvement and build critical thinking skills. Strategies…