Describes the celebration of death in Mexico and gives an alternative perspective from which to examine current U.S. attitudes and practices concerning death. Discusses the role that children play in the Todos Santos, or Day of the Dead, festival and the imagery and ceremonies of the festival. (LB)

Parent Teacher Associations can promote acceptance and appreciation of cultural differences by commemorating ethnic observances. Background information and suggested activities are presented for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday; Chinese New Year and Tet; Black History Month; Pan American Day; Cinco de Mayo; Asian-Pacific American Heritage Week;…

This is a resource guide for observing and celebrating special days according to the traditions of many cultures. It brings together the experience and activities of persons from many religions--Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and the Sikh religion--and draws on diverse backgrounds from many parts of the world. The context is…

The legacies of all cultures can be found in their creations--their arts, their celebrations, and their traditions. This book is designed to help educators introduce students to the diversity of people around the world through creative, hands-on activities based on cultural traditions. It offers teachers, librarians, and parents access to 28,000…

This book, one of a series, shows how to help children develop a sense of personal, local, and national history. The message of the series urges parents and children to spend time together, talk about stories, and learn together. The first part of each book presents stories appropriate for varying grade levels, both younger children and those in…

Noting that the United States is fast becoming the most culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse nation in the world, this book is designed to help parents, teachers, and other child caregivers teach children and teens respect and appreciation for all cultural, ethnic, and racial groups. Using age-appropriate examples, the book shows how to…

This book argues that parents, by spending 20 minutes each day imparting the wisdom found in its pages, can compensate for the lack of cultural education their children receive in school. Predicated on the idea that there is a certain background "core knowledge" that every American school child should possess, the book can also be used…

Because diversity is a fact of life in our rapidly changing, complex, and interdependent world, appreciating diversity is essential. This resource goes beyond teaching tolerance and understanding of diversity. It gives educators the tools for teaching children to value the differences between people. Using literature as a springboard, educators…

This curriculum framework presents a philosophy of arts education, synthesizes current research, and sets learning standards for students from kindergarten through 12th grade in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The curriculum framework's core concept is that experience in the creative process is essential for all learners, and that, in the arts,…

Ideas and activities for helping children attain success in school, in friendships and in sports are presented in this handbook for parents. The areas covered are: (1) developing a winning attitude; (2) increasing self-confidence; (3) improving reading skills; (4) gaining good study habits; (5) improving test-taking skills; (6) doing homework; (7)…

This book is a collection of activities, stories, ideas, and games designed to help adults and young children develop a shared awareness of their environment. The material is presented in eight chapters. Activities and stories are interwoven throughout each chapter to provide a holistic view of the topic covered. The end of each chapter contains…