Cultural characteristics help us learn about the individual elements that distinguish different groups. Values and traditions are among those cultural patterns that help us gain an understanding about the children and family ideas and viewpoints. You can see this in your own culture. Some of your ideas may differ from those of your parents and grandparents. While many values and traditions remain the same over time, cultures can also change – adapting to the realities of the times. These changes help people respond to new challenges and expectations from society. Because cultures change over time, it is important to be aware of characteristics that may no longer describe or apply to a cultural group.
It is important to remember that, while people who share a culture may also share many traits or characteristics, you should never assume that everyone who is part of a given culture is the same. Because of their different life experiences, you will find differences even among individuals within the same culture. Keeping this in mind will help avoid stereotypes. Stereotypes are defined as ideas that are generalized and used to describe a cultural group which provides a misleading view about them. For example, a stereotype is thinking that all Hispanic people eat tortillas, or that they all take siestas. Learning about culture is important to prevent inaccurate stereotypes.
LET'S REFLECT
What
are the cultures of the children in my classroom?
What can I do to learn more about the children's cultures?
Can I identify any aspects from my culture that may have changed over time?
As an adult, what things do I do differently now, from when I was growing up?
Are there things
that might be considered "common" to my
culture that do not necessarily apply to me, such as liking certain
traditional foods?
