Teaching and Learning in a Diverse World: Multicultural Education for Young Children

Early Childhood Education

by Patricia G. Ramsey

How can we create truly multicultural classrooms? In this new edition of her popular text, renowned early childhood educator Patricia Ramsey draws on a wide range of research and practice from different communities around the world to further explore the complexities of raising and teaching young children in a world fraught with societal divisions and inequities. Using engaging examples and stories, this comprehensive volume offers concrete suggestions to encourage teachers to reflect on their own histories and experiences and to challenge and rethink their assumptions and attitudes toward children and teaching. This new, up-to-date edition describes research-based classroom practices to engage children in exploring the complexities of race, economic inequities, immigration, environmental issues and sustainability, gender and sexual orientation and identities, and abilities and disabilities. It also addresses the challenges of teaching in the context of globalization, pervasive social media, and increased standards and accountability.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Professional Development

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1986

Reviews

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so this book is 10 years old now, but practice in the field of early childhood mostly has not caught up to it yet. Everyone who wants to work meaningfully with children (rather than just babysitting) ought to read it. It is simply written in short sections you can easily dip in and out of and avoids polar answers (but does call persuasively for a more inclusive and deeply respectful approach).

It looks at race, class, gender, sexuality, culture and ability and it is a great starting point for any more in depth focus on any of these (but they all do intersect anyway)

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book contained a lot of good information about teaching in diverse environments, I found it to be a little too idealistic and naive when looking at the current climate many teachers are teaching in today. It would be wonderful to live in a world where public school teachers had the freedom to really get into the ideals of this book. I'll definitely use it as a goal to keep in mind in my own classroom.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a required text for my course and I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading it.

This book is a must-read for all teachers. It will challenge your thinking and encourage you to analyse your teaching practice regarding how you cater for chilren of different cultures in the classroom. A great read.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a required text in a class, but I chose to read it and have really enjoyed my journey. Prior to reading, I couldn't see the value in beating a dead horse so to speak-but the book opened my eyes to a lot of issues I had not considered. If you teach, its a must read!

[Amber]

2 copies