Training that includes a mix of grade levels may also facilitate this process. Q. I teach in a district which is integrated with equal numbers of Black and White students. The inclusion of instruction around multicultural issues should be an important component of any approach. Early childhood teachers should develop sensitivity to and insight about children of various backgrounds. Early childhood educators need to help children develop positive self-concepts and group identities without feeling superior or inferior to other ethnic groups.
All children develop in a sequential, predictable pattern, regardless of ethnic background.
Based upon this knowledge and what the teacher knows about learning, they design experiences that facilitate learning taking culture and ethnicity into consideration. If a program is truly developmental, it takes children from where they are developmentally and provides experiences to challenge each of them. In a developmental classroom, much less time is spent teaching children in a whole group. The classroom provides a balance of whole group, small group and individual activity with periods of quiet work and active exploration. Children are encouraged to actively explore these materials and interact with children and adults in the room in order to acquire skills, knowledge and explore interests.