Colors of the Rainbow

A Study in Cultural Awareness

We at the Montessori School of Lisle - in Naperville feel that our culturally rich school community provides us with a wonderful opportunity to foster an awareness and pride in one's own heritage and an appreciation and respect for the heritage of others. Living and learning with children of different ethnicities from an early age is of great advantage as differences in skin color, dress, language and customs are more readily accepted as part of the norm. Indeed, preschoolers are still forming their perception of self, others, their world and their place in it. If healthy perceptions are formed at this stage in life, later on during the trying teen years the need to "fit in" and be like everyone else and to shun those who are not will be ameliorated. Reshaping feelings about oneself and attitudes toward others during the pre-adult and adult years is a much more difficult process. It is our aim at the Montessori School of Lisle – in Naperville to help formulate a healthy perception of self and others from the beginning.

Goals of Colors of the Rainbow:

· Establishing a positive self-identity

· Developing an awareness and pride in one's

own heritage and culture

· Sharing of ethnic customs, language, beliefs, holidays, etc.

· Recognizing differences and similarities between ourselves and others

· Appreciating how each is unique, beautiful and complementary to the whole

· Realizing that beneath external differences, we all share common feelings,

physical & psychological needs, rights & responsibilities

· Acquiring and practicing respect for self and others