Create a classroom library that is rich with multicultural titles. Select different genres of literature to appeal to the varied interests of the students in your class. Historical fiction and nonfiction, fantasy, biographies, autobiographies, picture books and poems are some examples of the different genres you can include.
Allow children to examine the different types of multicultural literature. Invite students to look through the classroom library to select books they can read during sustained silent reading, also known as SSR, or independent reading time. SSR refers to a portion of the day some teachers set aside for uninterrupted, independent, silent reading.
Read multicultural literature aloud to your students. Choose texts based on specific cultures you are focusing on in your class, or books that teach important historical lessons. For example, the title, "The Keeping Quilt," by Patricia Polacco, can be used to educate children about the traditions associated with Russian or Jewish families.
Discuss the contents of the books while you read them aloud. Compare and contrast the culture the books are about to other cultures. Ask students if they can relate to the information presented in the texts.
Instruct students to write book reports. Either assign specific multicultural titles to students or allow them to select their own. Prompt them to read the books and compose reports that offer a synopsis of the stories. Encourage students to create posters, dioramas, mobiles or other visual aids to accompany their reports.
Invite students to share their reports and visual aids with their classmates, allowing students to learn about different cultures from one another.