Gather different colors of knee-high nylons, such as black, tan, white, yellow, pink and red. Have children put the nylons on their arms and feet. Challenge them to find the shade that matches their skin tone. Explain that no one's skin color is exactly white, yellow or red. Point out that the differences in people's skin tone makes for a more interesting world. Ask parents for a strand of their students' hair. Tape each child's hair to an index card and spread the cards on a table. Ask children to identify whose hair is on which card. Discuss the differences in students' hair color, texture, style and length. Take a picture of each child. Have them paste the photos into a collage that depicts the range of hairstyles seen in the class.
Bring a colorful rock, a piece of radiant crystal or a painted stick to class. Have the children sit in a circle. Explain the Native American tradition of talking only when you hold the "talking" stick or stone. Have the children take turns holding the stick or stone, passing the object around the circle and talking only when it's their turn. This activity helps children learn to respect the person who is speaking. Hand each child a pair of chopsticks, a paper plate and cotton balls. Discuss how different cultures, such as the Japanese and Chinese, use different utensils to eat. Challenge the children to pick up the cotton balls with their chopsticks.
Assemble a collection of short videos of dance and music from different cultures. Some examples: Israeli folk dance, Chinese lion dance, Brazilian samba, South African Zulu dance, Russian Cossack dance and traditional Irish dancing. Ask students' parents if you can borrow music recordings from them that represent their cultural backgrounds. Prepare a compilation of videos and recordings that captures the diversity of cultures around the world. Have the children sit in a circle and watch the videos or listen to the recordings. Discuss the differences in the music, such as contrasting rhythms, loud and soft volumes and use of distinctive instruments.
Gather eggshells, a strainer, food coloring, glue, scissors and a poster board. Carve the poster board in the shape of an egg. Mix a solution of water and food coloring in a cup. Crush the eggshells into small bits and pour them into the colored solution. Strain and dry the colored eggshells. Repeat this process for a range of colors. Have the children spread glue on the poster board and sprinkle the colored eggshells on the glue. Explain that Egyptians honor spring with eggs and picnics. Have the class create a picnic basket filled with cooked eggs, crackers and cheese. Challenge students to come up with other spring holidays that celebrate with eggs, such as Passover and Easter.