Metanarratives--stories that are told and retold over time, so that they become the story--have proven instrumental in cultivating conceptions of the Founders as invariably honest, brave, and ethical. A prime example is the tale of George Washington confessing that he chopped down the cherry tree. While this narrative crafted an image of…

Describes how to use children's literature to teach about multiethnicity. Shows webbing activity diagrams and provides examples of children's books which fit the webbing categories. (JDH)

Examines the relationship between immigration and multiculturalism in Australian society, beginning with a brief historical background on immigration. Discusses how teaching immigration and multiculturalism is constructed in the curriculum and probes the nature of the current debate over immigration policy and multiculturalism. (DSK)

Discusses the problem of ethnocentrism in the educational system of the United States. Suggests that knowledge needs to be redefined to reflect a multicultural view of the world rather than reflecting an "us against them" outlook. Argues that the humanities need to be decentered so that minority students are not alienated. (DK)

Identifies six winners of the 1990 Carter G. Woodson Book Awards. Includes book title, author, publisher, and year. Provides a brief description of each book. (SG)

Argues that textile arts offer opportunities for students to explore other cultures and to illustrate themes contained in the National Council for the Social Studies Standards. Describes the use of Hmong "paj ntaub" textiles to teach elementary students about the Hmong people of Laos and Hmong immigrants in the United States. (DSK)

Discusses the debate between those who fear that multiculturalism will destroy the cultural unity of the United States and those who believe that diversity is essential to democracy. Explores the role of social studies as the curriculum area designated to educate citizens for democratic participation. Addresses the growing problem of economic…

Argues that misconceptions about culture, and the vastness of the topic make teaching global cultures difficult. Presents a general model for visually organizing concepts associated with culture that can be used in the classroom. Includes a lesson plan on how cultural perspectives can affect the definition and use of resources. (DSK)

Provides a selective list of 19 associations that offer resources for teachers. Includes contact and Internet information, and a list of selected publications for each association. Incorporates a review essay by Ron Herring and Jonathan Weil entitled, "The Contemporary World History Project for Culturally Diverse Students." (DSK)

Asks what teachers must know about ethnic backgrounds to facilitate instruction for immigrant students, how cultural values in the United States and values of specific ethnic groups diverge, and how teachers can improve their understanding of other cultures. Answers through firsthand accounts from research interviews with students who are recent…

Contends that a full and balanced education in the social studies requires study about religion and religious issues. Describes an elective course in world religions for high school students. Includes course objectives, course outline, teaching methods, and instructional materials. Addresses the issue of the controversial nature of teaching about…

Argues that expanding the global perspectives of students requires strategies focusing on knowledge and point of view. Provides four exercises used in a Mexican high school to allow students to identify, express, and understand their own global perspectives. Includes a small-group exercise, two mapping exercises, and a political-cartoon exercise.…

Describes a program at an inner-city day care and after-school program (Brooklyn, New York) designed to help children express, share, and take pride in their family cultures, and to respond to increasing hostility toward new immigrant groups. Includes an annotated bibliography of resources for teaching about immigrants to the United States. (DSK)

Explores advantages of emphasizing multicultural objectives across all curriculum areas rather than in specialized ethnic studies courses. Reviews ways to increase collaboration between bilingual education and the social studies. (DB)

Maintains that issues of cultural identification and self-concept are generally avoided by researchers and critics in discussions related to the goals of bilingual and multicultural education. (DB)