In recent decades, the racial demography in the United States school systems has changed dramatically to represent a more diverse population. For the growing number of individuals from various racial, ethnic, and cultural heritage, the pressure to identify with a specific group that shares their background has become increasingly difficult and sometimes problematic. For that reason it is crucial for educators and caregivers alike know how best to serve the special developmental and educational needs of their multicultural students and children.

The purpose of the multicultural resource guidebook is to give parents, teachers and children easy access to the resources needed to learn about ethnic difference to foster tolerance, equality and respect.  These resources are intended to help facilitate dialogue between parents, teachers and children about the many different aspects of multiculturalism.  Included, you will find websites, films, instructional videos and books.

            The websites allow the reader to use technology as a tool to explore diversity globally at the touch of a finger.  The films provide an interactive approach to learn about the issues people face every day.  The instructional videos include biographies that depict multiculturalism and inspire deep reflection.  The resources of books help bring to life true and fictional stories that explore the issues and history of cultural diversity. We have also included a section outlining appropriate class activities that can be used to help children explore their own cultural identity in a way that promotes positive development.

            Our hope is that this guidebook will give the reader a variety of resources to pursue education on multiculturalism without the restrictions of stereotypes. We believe that given enough reinforcement this material can help educators spark an interest in their students to think outside the box with regard to their beliefs in a diverse world.