7 Ways to Bring Your Home to School

Family traditions are not just for home. Learning to appreciate differences is an important part of the school experience.

By Rebeca Barrera

Ages

3-7

7 Ways to Bring Your Home to School

Family traditions are not just for home. Learning to appreciate differences is an important part of the school experience, and all children feel more welcome in school when the classroom reflects their culture and traditions. Sharing your own culture with your child's classmates will benefit all of the children. There is so much more to learn than what any one teacher can present to children — imagine how much richer the learning experience can be when persons of many cultures are invited to your child's classroom to share stories, music, and conversations. This is why many teachers encourage parents to share their family culture and experiences with the classroom. You can tell the teacher about the holidays and traditions that are important to your family and, if possible, offer to come to the class to talk them and to share photos, videos, children's books, and typical food.

Here are some things your child's teacher may ask you to send or bring to the classroom: 

  1. Copies of family recipes for props in dramatic play 
  2. Cooking utensils used at home 
  3. Family photos and photo albums 
  4. Audio tapes of your child's family members reading stories or telling tales 
  5. Books that reflect your child's background and culture 
  6. Music that reflects your child's culture 
  7. Photographs of your child's home and neighborhood to use in the block area
Social Skills
Social Life & Friendship
Age 7
Age 6
Age 5
Age 4
Age 3
Preschool
School to Home Connection
Songs and Rhymes
Early Social Skills
School Life
Early Learning
Families and Relationships
Elementary School