Recently, I read a children's book by Rosemary Wells called "Yoko." She is a girl from Japan whose classmates ridicule her sushi lunch and as a result, becomes emotionally detached from school. The teacher notices and tries to remedy the situation by creating an "International Food Day." All the children bring in dishes from around the world with the instruction from the teacher that they are to try "at least one bite." At the end of the day, Yoko's sushi plate remains untouched, and this is unnoticed by the teacher. Only one students tries the sushi and becomes Yoko's friend.
Sharing food is one of Ruggiano-Schmidt's suggestions for increasing international / multicultural awareness. However, I think the book about Yoko is accurate - this tactic may not automatically increase appreciation of different cultures, but at the very least, it will increase awareness. Creating a climate of welcomeness may not make everyone feel included, but it will get the message across that inclusion is important.
I think you make a good point here. It has to go further than food. I think that stories, talking about holidays around the world and talking about the world's varied cultures and getting the students to appreciate that the world is bigger than their home, their school and seeing it as a global place is a good start.
ReplyDeleteKids can be picky eaters but making a broad effort is a good way to start.