Structure academic lessons around food and incorporate multiple cultures into the thematic unit. Teach students about Spanish mole or Naan bread from India. Read Jay Miller's children's book "American Indian Food" to your students. Discuss the differences between the foods they typically bring in their lunchboxes and the foods you are studying during the thematic unit.
Develop a thematic unit that uses maps to introduce preschoolers to different cultures. Show them a variety of maps from around the world and use the opportunity to discuss the cultures found in those locations. Keep the maps very simple and focus on key elements, such as the the directions of north, south, east and west. Each day, show the students a new map and focus the entire day on this particular cultural location. For example, if you select Africa, you might ask the preschoolers to complete a math lesson counting a variety of African baskets.
Use holidays to teach students about various cultures. Choose a holiday and provide examples of how various cultures celebrate that particular time of year . For example, during the winter season, teach students about Chanukah, Christmas and New Years. Or choose a country and discuss holidays specific to that area. Show the students pictures and videos of individuals celebrating these holidays around the world and discuss the differences.
Use the families of the students in your classroom as a catalyst for a thematic unit. You will likely have students from various cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds within your preschool class. Highlight each student's family during your thematic unit. Invite family members to speak to your classroom about their personal rituals and beliefs. Not only does this contribute to your multicultural theme, but it also affords your students the benefit of learning about their classmates.