What’s the most respectful way to teach elementary school kids about other cultures and countries?

This summer I get to teach my nephews (aged 5 and 11) for a few hours every morning because their summer camps all got canceled.

I’ve been enjoying searching the interwebs for films, books and activities themed around many of the things they already like— penguins, Greek mythology (by way of Percy Jackson), Japan...ah.

Looking for materials about teaching about Japan, it’s hard not to fall into stereotypes: chopsticks and kimonos, sushi and sumo. These are indeed aspects of life in Japan and Japanese culture, but they feel kind of cartoonish.

I’m having a hard time walking a line between cultural appropriation and appreciation, especially when the kids are so young.

And this is for Japan week. What do I do when we learn about other cultures that have even less economic and political sway?

TL;DR What is the best way to teach young children about other cultures without falling into stereotypes?

Submitted June 06, 2020 at 04:45PM by uselessfoster https://ift.tt/3dIIN8Q