A classroom activity can include a definition of multiculturalism. Students can write their suggestions on a large sheet of paper or a chalkboard. Immigrant children can tell what aspects of their heritage are similar or different from their current community. For example, family structure in another country may include extended families that care for the youngest children. Discussion topics can include national identity and the face of the multicultural society.
Students can observe symbols or gifts from other cultures that are part of the school's neighborhood. For example, the local park may have a tree given as a goodwill gift from an overseas sister city. Perhaps a coffee shop displays flags from another country. Students can look to their own clothing that may contain symbols, such as an eagle or a Union Jack. Students can compile a banner of cultural symbols displayed around the city's community.
The whole school can celebrate multiculturalism and showcase culture with a pageant or performance. Students can wear their national dress for a pageant. Each grade or class can sing a song or recite translated poetry. Kindergarten students can sing Disney's "It's a Small World" to set the theme.
Funding permitting, the school can book ethnic dance or acting troupes that specialize in performances for young audiences. For example, a lion from a Chinese New Year's parade could pay a visit.
Students can receive first-hand information when they invite a classroom visitor representing a cultural group. Perhaps a local consulate can suggest resources or provide a talk and slide show. Some parents may even want to discuss their ancestral homelands and bring mementos to show the class. Representatives from ethnic communities can join the class for a multicultural luncheon.
Bulletin boards around the school classrooms and hallways can showcase the multicultural theme. Students can illustrate on large maps the story of human migration during different centuries. Each grade can focus on one continent or a group of countries. For example, a fourth grade class can concentrate on migration from the United Kingdom in the nineteenth century while a seventh grade class concentrates on migration from Asia in the twentieth century.
One class or the library club can set up a book display that includes world literature or overseas topics. For example, materials can include a collection of translated short stories and a history book of a particular culture or country. A bulletin board can feature current international news events or community events that celebrate cultural diversity. A storyteller can tell tales from lands far away or create a contemporary version of legends.