Ways to Help Children Value Cultural Diversity in Jersey City
As people, we have distinctive personality traits and physical features. So, although it seems normal for us to understand differences among people, it might not be natural for kids. But, as their language competence and mental abilities develop, it is natural for them to notice similarities and differences between themselves and their peers. This is their way of expressing curiosity, simple as that. And our job is to model empathy and acceptance of diversity. Also, living in a supportive community with many festivals and opportunities to enjoy and celebrate differences helps tremendously. So, if you are wondering how to succeed in this field, read on. We have made a list of ways to help children value cultural diversity in Jersey City and view it as a strength.
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) – respect for diversity
Childcare educators mainly use this framework, but we consider it worth implementing at home and in everyday life. What EYLF means by respecting diversity is this:
- honor the language, history, and tradition of different cultures among families;
- acknowledge that diversity contributes to our society and provide evidence about the ways it does so;
- respect the different aspirations families and communities hold for their children and foster children’s motivation to learn;
- provide opportunities for children to learn about similarities and differences and view them as valuable and honorable.
The great thing is that the community in Jersey City is culturally aware and supportive. With numerous schools, activities, and events that promote diversity, you shouldn’t worry about your family’s acceptance once you become a part of this community. So, if planning on moving here with family from another part of New Jersey, the only thing you need to worry about is how to arrange the moving process so that it runs smoothly. Long-distance relocations can be stressful for everyone, especially for kids.
That’s why it would also be a good idea to prepare your kids in advance for all the city offers, so they have something to look forward to.
Ways to help children value cultural diversity in Jersey City
Children can base some of their stereotypes on physical traits, such as race, gender, or age. However, they mainly understand the environment through categorization: good-bad, can do-can’t do, etc. As a result, they might tend to identify with a group of children that have a similar appearance to them. This is where parent’s and teacher’s roles are essential.
When parents or teachers talk negatively about differences among different groups, the child will learn to separate themselves from those that are different. On the other hand, if parents and educators help children value and appreciate diversity by modeling behavior, they will be more open and kind towards others.
Here are our top tips and activities you can do to help children value cultural diversity in Jersey City:
- Practice unity and use kind language
- Have a specific country-themed event
- Expose your kids to world music
- Don’t forget to respect your culture and tradition
- Learn a foreign language
- Volunteer as a family
Practice unity and kind language usage
Do not model differentiating yourselves based on race, ethnicity, or religion. Instead, parents should set examples of supporting cultural diversity for their kids by being kind to different people.
Another way of doing this is to refrain from using comments and observations that categorize people. While making a particular comment may seem harmless, it will implant ideas children will hold on to. That’s why it would be best to remain neutral when talking about differences while having a supportive and affirmative attitude.
Have a family and friends festive event
This one doesn’t have to be super fancy and break your bank account, but it can be an opportunity to create a family tradition while learning about other cultures. For example, you can have a French-themed evening, where everyone should dress the way French people do and make popular French dishes for dinner. All of this can be followed by every person sharing an interesting fact about France and having a quiz at the end of the evening. The options are countless. The important thing is to have fun while implementing a habit of great cultural value with your family.
Listen to world music
Today’s technology and gadgets offer enormous possibilities. Therefore, turning on any music at any time of the day is almost always possible. Use this as an opportunity to twist everyday car rides to the grocery store or school as a melodic educational entryway to another country.
Another pro of Jersey City is that it offers numerous musical and dance activities for you and your kiddos to try and enjoy!
Respect your culture and tradition
To appreciate another’s culture, it is important to value your own. Therefore, make holiday gatherings a big deal in your home and respect your traditions. This way, you will provide a healthy foundation for your children.
You can even create a scrapbook with pictures and notes about the holidays you love and what you did. This will be of enormous value once your kids grow up and have their own children.
Learn another language
Learning a foreign language offers tremendous benefits to children. Their cognitive skills and problem-solving improve, their creativity and views expand and get another dimension, their ability to reflect gets promoted.
Learning another language also opens the door to an entirely new culture, history and people. In addition, it gives your child many future possibilities of creating international friendships and having more broad-minded views.
Family volunteering
As a family, pick a cause all of you feel drawn to. It can be anything, from taking care of the park and animals to helping those in need. Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and cultivates social skills and compassion. Helping others offers a wonderful feeling, and we can all agree it is a great gift to give to our children. Jersey City offers a lot of volunteering opportunities, so be sure to check them out!
The takeaway from ways to help children value cultural diversity in Jersey City
Role models are important to our children. Their primary caregivers and educators are some of the first and most important role models of them all. One of the ways to help children value cultural diversity in Jersey City is to make sure you model kindness to everyone. We should be neutral and open about the differences among ourselves because our kids learn from us. Let’s teach them that this world is a wonderful place with numerous cultures that offer wonderful stories, songs, art, food, and much more.
Author:
Angie Sims
Angie Sims used to work in the traveling industry for 6 years, and now she works in the relocation industry. For the last 3 years, she has been specializing in helping people with their domestic and international relocation. She is also a full-time mom and a part-time blog writer. From her own experiences, she writes about traveling and moving with children on her blog.
