Getting to Know Your International Contacts – Part 3

I have never heard back from any of the international contacts that I emailed, so I went to UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage.  I found some interesting information on their webpage that relate to my professional goal of implementing workshops, in my community, which will help facilitate ways for parents to become more active partners in their child’s education.

 

First, there was a book series, “Bouba and Zaza” and “Childhood Cultures”, an intergenerational African series of children’s books that addresses the glaring shortage of children’s books adapted to African contexts.  I am always looking for new books to share with my students to engage them in conversations about global issues.  The series covers subjects affecting the lives of African families that some parents are reluctant to address.  These topics include war/conflict, HIV/AIDS, the water resources, and environmental protection.  The series is designed to help children debate these problems, and that by addressing the issues, children will become more aware of their environment and how their choices impact the environment. 

Second, there was a section devoted to World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which was held on May 21, 2012.  This special day was to promote culture in all forms.  Not only is it important for schools to be culturally sensitive, but I also think it is important to inform our parents about the culturally diversity of our schools and community.  Through workshops, I hope to share with parents’ ways to participate in cultural opportunities with their children.  On this webpage, it suggested several ways for people to join in the celebration, such as parents reading traditional stories from various cultures at bedtime to their children, learning a new language with a native speaker, and inviting a music school to give a concert with multicultural music. 

Third, there was a section devoted to International Jazz Day, which was held on April 30, 2012.  I would like to share with parents, in my workshops, the importance of the art and music in a child’s education.  As stated on this webpage, jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding.  Jazz is a symbol of unity and peace and fosters gender equality.   Finally, jazz also encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion of traditional music forms into new ones. It would be exciting to have a local jazz band play for the parents at the workshop.

These are just a few of the exciting things that I found on this webpage that I could incorporate into one of my professional goals. 

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/