mmulticultural

If you'd like to help with the research for any of the multi-cultural ed sections of my website, or have specific activities or children's books to share, or can tell us where to get posters and/or other related information, just e-mail me at stormie@preschoolbystormie.com

MINI-GEOGRAPHY AND MULTI-CULTURAL ED:
Music and Dance Around the World
To provide a frame of reference, show children where countries are located on your classroom globe or map, and if possible, provide related pictures and books:

From Stormie:

Afghanistan (located on the continent of Asia):

Just like here in the U.S., drums are enjoyed in parts of Afghanistan. Some are beaten using the palms of the hands, and some are beaten using the fingers. Also, just as we might do, on special days or weekends, Afghans like to get together for a picnic, and maybe play music and sing.

Australia (located on the continent of Australia/Oceania):
In some parts of Australia, people like to get together and sing and dance at events called "corroborees."

Africa:
1. To name just a few, musical instruments popular in Africa include gourds that are struck like drums, bells, clay pots, clap-sticks, rattles, harp, trumpets made from animal horns, and xylophones.
2. In some parts of Africa, men might sing together or play flutes while working or hunting.

Reference: Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2000. © 1993-1999 Microsoft Corporation
Play examples of African music to the children in your class and let them dance creatively. One of my favorites is the Graceland album by Paul Simon that features many African musicians.

CD Suggestion: African Lullaby; Various Artists

Book and Cassette Suggestion: Let's Get the Rhythm of the Band: This book and tape celebrate African-American music with everything from drums to rap.

Muscogee Indians:
Read the book "Jingle Dancer," by Cynthia Leitich Smith; Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, Illustrators: I love this book about a Muscogee Indian girl who wants to participate in the Jingle Dance at the next powwow but she doesn't have enough jingles for her dress. The story blends traditional and contemporary Muscogee culture and is a wonderful celebration of family life.

From Beth Bennett, in Alaska:
China (located on the continent of Asia):
There's a wonderful CD called "Chinese Lullabies" by the Beijing Angelic Choir. It has beautiful Chinese music that's great for playing at naptime -- or anytime.

Share your "stuff" too. By the way, do you sing songs with your class in another language?

Click here on this map if you need to remind yourself where the world's continents are located.(Don't worry, you won't get lost. You can return to this page from that one by hitting your "Back" button.)

World Celebrations:
Please click on the link below to review world celebrations (I will add more of them over time so check back every now and then). Don't worry, you shouldn't get lost if you go there now as you will be able to link back to this March page from there.

WORLD HOLIDAYS, CELEBRATIONS, AND FESTIVALS

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Reminder from Stormie: If you would like to begin collecting ALL my current classroom ideas (each on a 4 x 6" index card), as well as new ones that I create, you can do so by ordering my "Activity Cards." Click here to check them out.

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My website address: http://www.preschoolbystormie.com