A cross-cultural historical examination of Santa Claus reflects that women have contributed substantially to the legend of Santa Claus, but their contributions are downplayed, demeaned, or reframed to fit a sexist view of women's roles. Santa Claus type figures have emerged around the world as part of celebrations of the winter solstice, but…

This report gives an overview on the start of the school year and its length as well as the timing and length of school holidays. It covers both primary and general secondary education. The information is available for the 37 countries participating in the EU's Erasmus+ programme (27 EU Member States, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland,…

This report, based on national data, gives an overview on the length of the school year, the start and the end dates, the timing and length of school holidays and the number of school days. It covers both primary and general secondary education and key points are illustrated by comparative figures. The information is available for the 37 countries…

This report, based on national data, gives an overview on the length of the school year, the start and the end dates, the timing and length of school holidays and the number of school days. It covers both primary and general secondary education and key points are illustrated by comparative figures. The information is available for the 38 countries…

The school calendar contains national data on the length of the school year, the start and the end dates of each school year, the timing and length of school holidays and the number of school days. Key points are illustrated by comparative figures. The information is available for 38 countries covering both primary and general secondary education.…

In 1986, Reactor 4 in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. Within a year of exposure to radiation poisoning the rate of cancer, particularly leukaemia and thyroid cancer, was reported as 100 times higher in children living in contaminated areas. Volunteers in more than 18 countries responded by establishing a network of recuperative…

Lack of cultural awareness and insufficient cultural background knowledge directly obstruct students' learning competence in college English teaching. Therefore, it's of great importance to enhance students' cultural awareness and develop their background knowledge about the target culture. This paper intends to illustrate the influence of…

In recent years there has been an increase in the enrollment of Muslim international students in higher education institutions in China. This research provides a brief overview of the issues that international Muslim students face during their campus life, such as adopting a new culture, lack of understanding from the broader university community,…

This study investigated culturally authentic representations and perspectives on historical events and political issues presented in children's picture books on Japanese culture. Our analysis of the representation of Japanese culture in the texts and illustrations was based on a sample of 37 children's picture books written in English or…

This study addresses the ways in which Natives practiced self-silence in regard to public Civil War commemoration. Notwithstanding the incredible impact on Indian Territory and Indian lives, Oklahoma Indians themselves did not typically commemorate the Civil War. Therefore, Native American contribution to the Civil War was largely skewed in the…

Young children benefit from learning about and experiencing cultural and ethnic diversity. Early childhood practitioners often strive to diversify the curriculum by including children's cultural traditions, holidays, or foods. Yet, one knows that young children need more than a celebration or a circle time story about a place or people to feel…

The informal curriculum centering on holidays in elementary education often ignores cultural and individual differences among students. School holiday celebrations may have serious consequences for the following dimensions of schooling: (1) aesthetic; (2) curricular; and (3) socio-emotional. Teachers can provide options for all students by making…

Noting basic misconceptions clouding the dialogue about the role holidays play in an antibias curriculum for young children, this guide for early childhood practitioners invites them to rethink their approach to holidays and provides the tools for addressing the holiday question in new, creative, and effective ways. The three sections of the guide…

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 booklet addresses the issue of special occasions and how they are celebrated. It presents three lists of celebrations: those that focus on young children and have meaning for them; those that parents may choose and therefore are likely to acknowledge diversity among families, races, religions, classes and cultures; and those that the early…