The teaching mini-units in this teacher's guide are designed for use with elementary level students. Thematic study units are given for each of the following countries or continents: Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the…

This book is the second guide accompanying a series of nine recordings of a rare collection of international folk music. The volume provides information needed to facilitate the many and varied activities necessary for students' understanding and application of movement and music concepts. The 14 selections from the recording are noted and include…

One of a series of documents produced by a nationwide network of early childhood education specialists, teachers, parents, and Head Start staff, the unit presents eight lessons which present background information on the Vietnamese people. Arranged by grade level (Head Start-Grade 5), the lessons provide for parent participation and adaptation.…

Celebrations of shared personal, religious, occupational, and historic events are worldwide and ancient phenomena. In the United States, most people participate, as either major or minor actors or members of the audience, in private events marking the human cycle and life experiences, from birth and birthdays to weddings and anniversaries to death…

Most folk art activity occurs outside institutional settings, and while some of it intersects with commerce and popular culture, other portions find nurture from public and private funding. This study sketches the breadth and depth of folk and traditional arts activity in the United States. The inquiry combines field-based or case study…

This two-part curriculum unit includes 20 slides depicting Days of the Dead in Mexico and the United States. The unit is designed to help middle school students compare customs and practices associated with death throughout the world in a way that promotes understanding of the values and needs that produce and are reinforced by death rituals and…

Written in Spanish, this booklet contains brief information on the origin of four events celebrated in the month of January in Puerto Rico and the United States: New Year (January 1), Dia de Reyes (January 6), Eugenio Maria de Hostos (January 11), and Martin Luther King (January 15). Designed as a resource for teachers to use in teaching the child…

A 10-week unit of study of Appalachian literature and culture, focusing on Harriette Arnow's novel, "The Dollmaker," is designed to deepen Appalachian students' awareness of their rich cultural heritage as well as to encourage non-Appalachians' appreciation of backgrounds different from their own. One week is allotted for…

In the Haida nation, there are two phratries, Eagle and Raven, divided into a number of clans sharing one or more emblems. These emblems, inherited from the mother's line, adorn the button blankets which are the traditional ceremonial robes that serve to identify the family of the wearer. Written instructions and diagrams guide students in…

Nineteen songs sung at potlach activities to honor the dead have been transcribed and compiled to foster greater understanding and appreciation among Alaskan school children of the place of songs in the life of the Central Koyukon Athabaskans who believe that singing and dancing allow emotional release from the sadness of losing a loved one. The…

This book examines the commonplace rituals and ceremonies that play a central role in college and university culture; it examines how people build, learn, and transform culture in ways that create meaning and give definition to existence. Qualitative research on four campuses over 10 years investigated: why colleges persist with rituals and…

This book was written by 86 students in grades 3-8 at Westridge Elementary School (Littleton, Colorado) during a summer enrichment class. The book is for anyone who wants to learn about African-American culture and heritage. Chapter 1 gives an overview of African history before American contact, the introduction of slavery into America, the road…

Written in Spanish, this booklet contains information on three events occurring in the month of December: winter, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. Winter is briefly discussed. The section on Christmas includes a short story ("La Nochebuena"); a poem about Christmas in Puerto Rico; a legend about the poinsettia; brief discussion of Santa…

Portrays the spiritual and natural content of Haitian art, illustrates a characteristic cut-metal sculpture, and lists highlights of Haitian art history. Suggests activities for elementary and secondary students designed to help them understand art forms that provide insights into the myths and mysteries of other cultures. (KM)

This resource guide, designed for elementary level students, presents activities focusing on the language and customs of Mexico. The material is organized in 12 chapters that correspond with the curriculum calendar. Whenever possible, the thematic topic presented in each chapter refers to calendar appropriate festivals or events. Following an…