Why Multicultural Awareness Important?

Every teacher must be sensitive to all multicultural needs of all children. These needs stretch far beyond the cultural and racial makeup of the children inside the child’s classroom and peer group. Educators have to ensure that a variety of experiences and concepts are taught when dealing with multicultural awareness.

 Teachers and caregivers have a great impact on young children.  Young children views usually develop from the adults around them. Children who are surrounded by adults that open more social and interactive with other people from other ethnic background are more prone to accept the differences. These experiences whether positive or negative could affect how children interact with other children with different ethnic backgrounds.

In order to ensure that every student is encouraged to his or her full ability, teachers must incorporate sensitivity training into the curriculum and teaching practices. It is important that all educators realize that multicultural education is not made of the racial and ethnic background makeup of the children represented in the classroom. Educators must include representation of multicultural issues from an array of races, traditions, and backgrounds.

Multiculturalism affects everyone. Educators have to insure that young children are exposed to concepts that there are people who are different from them. Each concept must be morally sound, non-biased, and educational.

According to Helping Your Preschool Child, 2002 “From birth through age five, children are developing the language, thinking, physical, emotional, and social skills that they will need for the rest of their lives.” Quality preschool education provides structure and development. This structure and development keeps children active a provide purposeful learning.  Quality educational programs and activities also focus children behavior.