Parents of Acorn Cooperative Preschool students participated in the kid-friendly "Children of the World" series this fall, teaching preschoolers (age 0-5) about their cultures. The educational series will continue to Spring next year. Parents and their country pictured from left and going clockwise: Ysabel Crutchfield, Peru; Stephanie Evans, Mongolia; Lordelyn del Rosario-Dacanay, Philippines; LubaBreish, Russia; Michelle Jones, Lebanon; and JagodaRaucina, Poland.

 

So far, preschoolers and their parents received an education on Lebanon, Mongolia, Poland, Peru, Russia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Students learned about clothing, children’s stories, toys, songs, dances, and many more from these countries. In addition, students sampled Lebanese pita bread, a Filipino rice cake called bibingka, and Russian treats. With Christmas coming up, students learned how the Philippines -- the country with the longest Christmas celebration in the world (December 16- January 6) -- celebrates its  most festive holiday.

 “We have a diverse group of families in our preschool and the students enjoy learning about other cultures,” said Wendy McCully, program director and teacher of the Acorn Cooperative Preschool.

McCully, who organized the “Children of the World” series, worked with parents of different cultures to develop the kid-friendly educational series. In addition, she included parents who have spent a significant amount of time in other countries through the Peace Corps and for graduate school research.

 “When children are exposed to different cultures at an early age in a way that is relevant and real to them,  they are able to quickly learn how to resist bias towards those who are different from themselves and often develop a natural sense of tolerance and understanding of others." added McCully.

The "Children of the World" series will continue through spring and will also include outside speakers. Upcoming presentations will be on India, Laos, and Hungary.

Acorn Cooperative Preschool is a non-profit program for children under the age of six. The program is partially funded through a grant from First 5 of Mariposa. Acorn, opened and formed as a preschool in January 2006 through the dedication and determination of a group of parents who recognized the need for more early educational opportunities in rural Mariposa County. The preschool is open to students in Mariposa and Madera counties.

Acorn Cooperative Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies and school-administered programs.

For more information about Acorn’s Children of the World Series or Acorn Cooperative Preschool, contact 209-742-4309 or go to Acorn Cooperative Preschool’s website:
acorn preschool

 Lordelyn P. del Rosario
E-mail: lordelyn32@yahoo.com