The first activity that I would like to share is one of simplicity, yet importance. Our class was asked to bring in artifacts that defined who we are culturally. This seems like a fairly simple task, but I found it quite difficult because there are so many things I enjoy sharing with people. As we observed our artifacts, we found that although we were very similar in many ways, we were also much different.
We lined up all of our artifacts on a table, and asked ourselves, "If people found these artifacts years down the road, what would they say about them?" I'd like to ask you the same question. If people found what you consider to be the most important artifacts in your life, what you they have to say about them? Would they admire our love for culture? The fact that even though we have technology, we still love the smell of an old book? Most of all, would they have respect for what was?
Even though we are surrounded by differences in our cultures, we are all still people. America isn't about being a melting pot anymore. It's a salad bowl. Think about it...when you sit down to eat, would you want everything to taste the same? Or do you value the unique taste all the different foods have? That's what should be happening in our classrooms. We should value the differences our children have and embrace them foremost by being willing to learn about them.
JLB 1/26/12
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