Purpose: Engaging families in sharing their culture and traditions creates a stronger sense of community and helps children connect with their identity.
Biannual Family Culture Sharing Initiative
Theme and Schedule:
Organize an “Our Cultures, Our Stories” event biannually. (e.g., February for Black History Month or May for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month) to celebrate diversity.
Alternatively, host 2 sharing events (December for Kwanzaa & June for Juneteenth).
Provide Clear Invitations:
Send a warm, engaging invitation explaining how their involvement enriches the children’s understanding of the world and themselves. Highlight how even small contributions (e.g., a recipe, a story, or a photo) are meaningful.
Flexible Participation Options:
Host an “In-Class Presentation Day” where families share traditions, foods, music, or photos.
If in-person isn’t possible, invite them to contribute a short video, an artifact (like a favorite book or toy), or written notes for teachers to share on their behalf.
Incorporate Their Contributions:
After a family shares, integrate their cultural elements into the curriculum. For example:
A story they tell could become a class book.
A dish they share could inspire a pretend-play restaurant.
Music or dance could become part of a movement activity.
Offer Gratitude and Visibility:
Celebrate family contributions with a thank-you note and by displaying their contributions on a classroom bulletin board or a digital platform like a parent portal.
Host a family appreciation potluck or cultural showcase at the end of the year to reinforce community bonds.
Tie to Learning Outcomes:
Use their contributions as tools for children to explore their own identity.
“Who else has a special holiday or meal at home?”
“What makes your family unique and special?”
Communication Example:
Dear Families,
We are excited to celebrate the wonderful cultures and traditions that make our daycare community so unique! This year, we’re launching “Our Cultures, Our Stories” to give every family a chance to share something meaningful from their background with the children.
You might share a favorite story, recipe, song, or tradition—whatever feels special to your family. Your contribution helps our children appreciate diversity and learn more about the beautiful world we all share.
We’ll work with you to find the best time and format. Please let us know how you’d like to participate!
Warmly,
Lauren N Carter
Alternative Strategies:
Rotate a “Culture of the Month” where families contribute at different times.
Introduce a “Traveling Culture Box” where families add items representing their heritage for the class to explore.