Building Bridges
for Young Learners
A Guide to Cross-Cultural Understanding for
Pre-Kindergarten Through Grade 4.
Introduction
The lessons in this guide will:
- Help students understand that people are more similar than different.
- Help develop an understanding of the world beyond students' own communities.
- Help students understand that everyone has a culture that shapes how we see the world, ourselves, and others.
- Help students develop a sense of empathy and common humanity.
- Help students appreciate that they play a critical part in their family, their community, and their world.
Why Culture-Related Lessons?
Children want and need to learn about themselves and the world around them. Understanding and investigating their own culture and that of others facilitates cooperation with those of different backgrounds, fosters relationships, and empowers children to see themselves as global citizens.
Who Is This Guide For?
This guide is designed for easy adaptation by teachers in pre-kindergarten through grade 4.
What is the Peace Corps' Role?
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy launched the Peace Corps to promote understanding between the predominant culture in the United States and cultures around the world—in addition to providing assistance to developing countries.
Since then, almost 200,000 Americans have lived and served overseas in more than 130 countries. With its cumulative experience and its ongoing mission, the Peace Corps is uniquely positioned to offer lessons that promote cultural understanding.
Acknowledgments
For a list of contributors and reviewers for this publication, click here. (pdf)