$ Cultural Tools   @

Cultural differences among school age children can cause some children to be labeled developmentally delayed or learning disabled. It is important to re-evaluate the methods used to teach these children and to determine is cultural differences may be influencing their rate of development. 

Cultural differences can be found between all races, as well as social economic classes. Children with a lower socioeconomic status tend to be less advanced than those children in higher socioeconomic situations. 

• Children from lower socioeconomic situations may struggle with routine class work. Reasons or explanations for this may include something as simple as wording and my result from one or more of the following:

  • They may not accustomed to hearing or using proper grammar, and therefore may have comprehension problems when they encounter it. Reading comprehension problems will cause delays and struggles in all academic areas.

  • A child with a limited vocabulary may have difficulty understanding simple instruction.

• Cultural differences can explain a wide range of problems that a child may have in a classroom. Examples:

  • African-American children may be accustomed to Ebonics and this may cause them to be less comfortable with proper grammar. 

  • English may be a second language for many children. Many definitions for the same word can confuse and frustrate these children. The child may not understand in same context that the message was sent. 

  • Regional differences and dialect variations can also be a problem.

Children in these situations tend to struggle with English and Reading. A child that flourishes in their own environment may flounder in a typical class setting, simply because they do not fully comprehend what they hear.  

Importance of using cultural tools:

• Understanding a child's background, allows the teacher to implement cultural specific tool to increase learning and understanding during lessons. 

• Teaching these children about cultural differences can also be an effective tool for the teacher. 

• The use of cultural tool can give insight to a lesson and increase learning while allowing for an interactive learning environment.

• It is essential to use supplemental activities to reinforce teaching methods and to insure that all children gain a better understanding.

• Using associations to link the child's own knowledge and experiences to the lesson is extremely helpful. 

Links

• Children's Cross-Cultural Workshops

• Teaching tools: a cultural guide to Black books for children.

• Cultural Aspects of Young Children’s Mathematics Knowledge

• Tools for Educators and Parents

• Learning Styles

References

• Diessner, Rhett, and Jacquelyne Tiegs. Human Development.2nd ed. Guilford: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, 2001.

• Goldhaber, Dale. Theories of Human Development. California: Mayfield, 2000.

• Walker, Barbara. Diagnostic Teaching of Reading. New Jersey: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall, 2004.