Diversity and Multicultural Eduaction

As I was growing up in school, I had very little diversity in any of my classrooms. I went to an all white school and wasn't exposed to many people of other races or color. This region has grown so much and I do see so much more diverstiy in kids than when I was young. I see know how important it is to teach school age kids about the cultures of our world. I remember learning very little about other cultures as a child, I assume because of the lack of diversity in the area. I think that it is truly important for kids to learn about others and how they live, but most importantly how to respect them. There is so much racism and prejudice in our world and I feel as though the more knowledge children gain about people, the more they will be able to understand them and accept them for who they are and not judge them by what they look like. I plan to incorporate multicultural education in my classroom at every possible moment. There are several children's books that are excellent resources for introducing cultures and beliefs of those around the world. I really hope that multicultural education can influence kids and help eliminate some of the stereotypes, racism and even violence against others.