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    • « Quality Time | Home | Open Meadow Mentoring Program »

    HOW TO MAKE A CULTURALLY COMPETENT KID

    By Tobi Kibel Piatek | February 22, 2008

    The research we used to build this online course clearly shows that culturally competent educators and mentors are better able to effectively connect with kids.

    Someone who is culturally competent has the self awareness, and respect for others that allows him or her to work well with a variety of kids, families and community members. Many adults these days have lots of opportunities to develop the knowledge and abilities they need to interact successfully across cultures, but, how do we make a culturally competent kid? How do we, as mentors and teachers, encourage acceptance and respect for cultural differences in school, and in our communities?

    One of the primary keys to cultural competence is self-awareness. So, it makes sense that, when we encourage kids to learn about their own culture and heritage, we build a foundation they can use to understand others. At the same time, learning to be comfortable sharing information about your cultural heritage can be a great way to strengthen a relationship.

    So, please tell me, whether you are a mentor, parent, teacher or friend, if you have an afternoon to spend with a kid – what would you do to create a fun, inexpensive experience that encourages you to connect to each other and your community, and make you both more culturally aware and comfortable?

    Please share your ideas, because as Martha Stewart (almost) says, and our research shows, cultural competence is a good thing (and I believe it can be a fun thing as well.)

    Watch this space for some great ideas.

    Topics: Culturally Competent, Quality Time |

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