Multiculturalism - A practical guide
Being multicultural does not need to be hard or expensive. Here are some cheap and practical suggestions.
Did you know registered childminders can get a 10% discount at
the Early Learning Centre. Take your registration certificate with you and they will issue you with a
discount card.
Visit diverse cultural areas - dolls not of the typical blond rosebud complexion
are more likely to be available in
local toy shops in diverse cultural areas such as Luton or Bedford. Charity shops in these
areas may have clothes or cooking utensils you could add to your collection.
Library- you can borrow cook books from other cultures, multicultural children's books, information books or activity books, if you inform the library you are a childminder and have lots of children they may allow you to take out extra books.
Photographs - take photos of any multicultural activities you do and stick them on the wall with labels in duel language so the children can read them, examples, a multicultural meal (curry, pizza, noodles) local outing to cultural centre, multicultural children that you or other minders you know look after, local supermarket, religious buildings.
Print outs from our site - we have several pages that are suitable for printing out and displaying
TV programs - read the TV guide, often there are programs aimed at lower schools that may contain multicultural images, record these, clearly label the boxes and add to your collection.
Cook Book - try cooking recipes with the children, and or use some of the recipes to provide a variety of food from other countries for the children's meals.
Chopsticks - if you explain to your local Chinese restaurant that you work with children and they would like to 'have a go with some chopsticks', you will probably be able to get a couple of free pairs, these can be used for fine motor activities, role play and eating Chinese food.
Local market - look for unusual fruit and vegetables, these can be discussed with children or purchased and tasted.
Friends or family traveling - if you or someone you know are going on holiday to another country ask them to bring back a piece of traditional clothing or a toy suitable for the children, these items are often cheaper in the country they originate from. Post cards from other lands are also popular with children and are good for encouraging discussions.
Magazines - cut pictures from magazines that reflect multicultural diversity and make a college, stick it on the wall for the children to look at and discuss.
Packaging - writing from a variety of scripts can be found here, most packaging will have instructions in several languages. Empty food boxes can be used to set up your own corner shop, or set up your own takeaway with duel language menus.
Laminating - If you find a particularly good picture or resource for the wall you may want to consider laminating it, to protect it from sticky fingers and prolong its life.
