Mexico!

This week at school Kade is learning about Mexico, which is kinda funny because one of my co-workers in leaving to go on vacation in Mexico tomorrow.

It's great that they learn about different cultures and get to become aware of how different people live. So far they have learned about the food and clothing of Mexico, or so Kade tells me.

Yesterday we went shopping for our snack support item, a papaya! I had never bought a papaya before (I'm not a big fan of tropical fruit but Kade is) and it turned out to be a little adventure (mostly because we couldn't find the paper plates that Rachel needed).

I quickly looked up cultural learning in one of the Montessori books my mother-in-law gave called "How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way" by Tim Seldin and here's what he has to say.

"Introducing our children to different cultures helps cultivate their sense of wonder and curiosity as well as dispelling prejudice" (P. 52)

"All of humanity is part of a global family. We share the same needs, and have more things in common then divide us. The differences among us stem from our different cultural ways of meeting these same needs...There is no educational objective more important than to bring our children into full membership of the human family" (P. 52)

I couldn't agree more with both the quotes I provided above! We want to teach our children to embrace different cultures not belittle them. We want them to ask questions about what they don't know or understand not make assumptions. And I am so glad that my son is exposed to such lessons because even though I would love to be the one to teach him, I know I don't have the time to do so.

In his book, Mr. Seldin also provides information about how to teach your children about different cultures in your own home. Here are some of his suggestions, paraphrased by me...

-admit to your child that you are also learning about different cultures and may not be able to answer all of their questions. Be sure to inform yourself about the culture, getting books at your local library and talking to people you know who have visited or lived in the culture you are learning about.

-be engaged yourself, explore along with your child, and be sure that all the information you provide your child is authentic and accurate.

-always speak with respect about the cultures you are learning about! Your child can pick up on your feelings about the lessons.

If you're interested in learning more about Montessori school Mr. Seldin's book is a wonderful starting point. Kade likes the pictures and I enjoy all the good information!

Thanks for reading my blog! I'm really enjoying writing it!