In this article, five different traditional activities from Chile, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and South Korea will be shared. For each traditional activity, the following four questions will be addressed: (1) What is the culture and language background of the activity? (2) How is it played? (3) What modifications can be made to be inclusive of…

Cold February weather and pancakes are a traditional pairing. Pancake Day began as a way to eat up the foods that were abstained from in Lent--traditionally meat, fat, eggs and dairy products. The best-known pancake event is The Pancake Day Race in Buckinghamshire, England, which has been run since 1445. This column describes pairs of books that…

This workshop presentation offers an introduction to and suggestions for a multicultural approach to teaching through music experiences. Experiences presented include: (1) "Funga Alafia," a welcome song from Liberia; (2) "Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree," an American traditional game song; (3) a Japanese version of…

Saint Patrick's Day can be a day to honor the Irish for the contributions they have made to American life. Important historical figures of Irish descent and Irish folk customs are discussed. (DF)

This performance guide is designed to help teachers prepare students to see the Sogolon Marionettes performing one of two stories from the West African country of Mali. The guide, called a "Cuesheet," contains four activity sheets for use in class, addressing: (1) About the Performance (offering a performance overview of the stories, and…

This monograph (in French) provides Alberta teachers with information relating to teaching about the world of the theater, and discusses the principal elements to be considered in mounting a theatrical production. It is intended for French language dramatic arts teachers (both in immersion courses and French-speaking schools). The monograph's four…

This is a compilation of ten multicultural instructional booklets that were prepared and published by the Seattle, Washington, School District. The first booklet, entitled "Selected Multi-ethnic/Multicultural Events and Personalities," lists and describes (1) major holidays and events celebrated in the United States, and (2) American…

Activities that explore the history of the New Year tradition in the United States and other countries help students gain a better understanding and appreciation of other cultures. (DF)

The 21 plays in this international anthology for young people range through the classic, modern, and contemporary periods. Several of the plays are translations from other languages, and all begin with an explanatory introduction and contain basic stage directions. The anthology contains plays by Moliere, August Strindberg, Gertrude Stein,…

This book contains a collection of recipes by African students from various parts of the continent and by others who have lived and worked in Africa. While primarily a cookbook, it also can help refute generalizations and stereotypes about Africa. Part 1, "Cooking in Africa," is designed to give students background information on the…

A New China Studies unit offers insight into the history of one of the oldest cultures. Activities encourage students to explore the China mystique through study of that country's art, folklore, and history. Background information on China is offered. (DF)

The cultural diversity of Japan can provide a rewarding learning experience for children of all grade levels. This teaching unit includes resources and ideas for the study of Japanese society, art, folklore, and poetry. Included among the instructional objectives are: (1) children will compare U.S. lifestyles with Japanese lifestyles by reading…

Describes the use of an extended problem-solving assessment task with a Japanese secondary class. Argues that extended problem-solving tasks have the potential to illuminate a much wider range of student performance and to offer learning opportunities almost never realized with more traditional--albeit often quicker--forms of assessment. (ASK)

Asserts that the Pacific Rim nations of Asia are neighbors to California and that teachers should use that concept as an instructional device. Presents six teaching activities that are linked to the California History-Social Science Framework. Includes step-by-step instructions for implementation. (CFR)

This is a resource guide for observing and celebrating special days according to the traditions of many cultures. It brings together the experience and activities of persons from many religions--Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and the Sikh religion--and draws on diverse backgrounds from many parts of the world. The context is…