Introducing different cultures to kids

Have you ever wondered what makes each culture different from another? Culture is the pulse of a society and can be described as the system in which people agree to live; it includes language, religion, manners, customs, food, and music.

With the availability of the internet and the increasing interconnectedness of the world, it is now more crucial to comprehend various cultures. In fact, it was established that approximately 80% of organizations view cultural sensitivity as one important personnel attribute. 

Introducing cultural lessons into the lives of our children plays an important role in eradicating prejudice and moulding the kids into becoming better people. Here, we will take a closer look at how exposing children to different cultures can be beneficial for them and how it can contribute to their experience as members of society.

Also Read | Cultural Learning: Uniting Hearts, Expanding Minds

How to Introduce Children to Different Cultures?

It is of utmost importance to introduce different cultures to the little ones because the future lies in their hands. As we know the greatest enemy of knowledge is ignorance and this leads to confusion and loss. Educating children about different cultures can help them to become more open-minded and accepting. Once they grow up and start leading their independent lives, they will have to meet different people belonging to different cultures and thereby having a different set of ideologies and values. To be able to cooperate with those people, they must have a broad mindset. If they are made acquainted with other cultures then it will help in avoiding any kind of confusion or embarrassment in future.

Introducing something new to children can be a bit problematic as they lose interest very fast. So, here are some fun ways to introduce different cultures to your child:

Exploring different cultures through books

Introducing books to children at an early age is not only an effective way to enlighten them about different cultures but also helps them build a good vocabulary. To grasp their interest, books must contain colourful pictures and enticing stories about characters and ideas of different cultures. 

Parents can narrate the stories themselves to capture their kid’s attention and simultaneously learn about different cultures and traditions together. Here are some suggestions for toddlers – All Are Welcome by Suzanne Kaufman, Lovely by Jess Hong, Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena and The Name Jar by Yang Sook Choi. These books are about children going through a variety of new experiences and meeting new people. 

While learning about different cultures parents can help their children to understand the views of the characters involved in the book and empathise with them.

Read More | The Power of Reading: Encouraging a Love for Books in Children

Listening to different folk music and rhymes

Music and rhymes are an interesting way to introduce different cultures to children. Listening to music and reciting rhymes can help them build interest in learning about a new culture and their respective languages. It is a very fun way to learn something new. 

Introducing different cuisines

From pita bread and hummus to all way to sushi, learning cultures through flavours is one of the easiest ways of introducing culture. If the food suits their palette then they will be more than excited to understand and learn about its culture as a whole and try other food items as well. Going to different authentic restaurants can give them exposure to different cultures as authentic restaurants decorate their interiors according to the culture being followed there.

Educating while travelling

Knowledge comes first-hand through practical experience. Parents can educate their children about different languages, cultures and traditions while travelling for work during vacations. Through travelling to different places, children can meet and interact with people belonging to different cultures. They’ll come across various views and opinions that can broaden their horizons.

Fostering curiosity through simple questions 

It is very easy to incorporate curiosity into children’s minds. Just tiny questions are enough to stir their mind, for example, while walking on the street if a man with a unique attire crosses by them, parents can ask their children if they know about the type of attire that individual was wearing and in a similar way, they can enlighten their kid about different cultures. This is one of the most natural ways of introducing cultures.  

Watching movies and T.V. channels that depict different cultures

Movies are an exciting way to educate children about different cultures. They have the ability to grasp children’s attention. With movies, children can get an idea of different languages, living styles, new places and traditions. There are different lifestyle channels that parents can subscribe to and watch together with their kids. Some suggestions include – TLC, Travel XP, Discovery Kids, Fox Life, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, NDTV Good Times, etc. 

Globes and atlas

Gifting a globe to your kids and playing with them is one of the most creative ways to introduce different cultures. Learning through playing can enhance their learning ability and children will show more interest than any other way. The game can be made more interesting if played by the whole family together. In this way, everyone will learn something new. Acquiring knowledge together with close ones is the best method of learning for a child.

Read More | Diversity in India: A Celebration of Unity

DPS Jaipur: Fostering Cultural Learning

Established in 2003, DPS Jaipur has over 20 years of experience in providing excellent education. Home to 2500 students, this top boarding school in India combines a holistic academic curriculum with a vibrant boarding house environment.

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Why Choose DPS Jaipur?

• Extensive Club Activities: Currently the school has fifteen clubs and this leaves the students with an option to engage in other activities apart from lessons.
• Educational Trips: School trips within the country and overseas contribute to the improvement of cultural consciousness among students.
• Diverse Student Body: The school has students from India, Nepal and students from UAE adding to the diversity of cultures in the school.
• Personalized Attention: A student-teacher ratio of 15:1 ensures that the students get quality attention from the teachers.
• Community Outreach: 3 programs promote social responsibility among students.
• Diverse Learning Styles: 10 educational and cultural programs to satisfy various learning demands aimed at different subjects and disciplines.
• Advanced Labs: 9 well-equipped laboratories with teaching facilities contribute to learning.
• Smart Classrooms: 50 smart classrooms provide the environment for learning.
• Healthcare: 24×7 health care centres with 2 qualified doctors for the health checkup of students.

Apply now to DPS Jaipur for a culturally enriching and academically-rigorous education that prepares students to be global citizens!