By Trinity Koemel, Arizona State University, Family and Human Development. Developed during her Parents2Partners internship with mentor feedback from Leila Kubesch.
A Multicultural Literacy Night gives students and families a chance to read together, explore books from many cultures, and view student projects that reflect their own backgrounds. It works for a whole school or a single classroom. This outline is built for elementary families, PK through 4th grade.
The basic plan
- Assign a grade appropriate project that invites students to explore their culture, heritage, or family.
- Gather age appropriate books on culture, heritage, and diversity, including books in more than one language.
- Set up a display of the books grouped by culture or theme, with inviting spaces where parents can sit and read with their children.
- Display the student projects, grouped however you like: by grade, by class, by culture, or by theme.
- Send families home with take home reading questions, translated as needed, so the reading continues after the event.
Invite colleagues to help
Ask fellow teachers, the librarian, and parent volunteers to help gather books in different languages and from diverse cultures, build the displays and reading nooks, and translate materials and signage.
Student project ideas by grade
- PK and Kindergarten: draw a picture of a family tradition or a special food, and dictate one sentence to describe it.
- 1st and 2nd grade: make a mini book called “All About My Culture” with a favorite food, holiday, song, or language.
- 3rd and 4th grade: interview a family member and write a short story or create a poster about their experience.
Templates make the projects easier for students and give the display a uniform look.
Book display themes
Group books by language (Spanish, Arabic, and so on), by culture or region (Asia, Latin America, Africa), or by theme (belonging, family traditions, celebrations). The librarian can help find or order books in multiple languages.
Reading nooks
Bean bags, rugs, or picnic blankets turn any corner into a cozy reading zone. Add small signs such as “Sit and Read Together” and “Ask your child what they think.”
Take home questions
Write a few simple questions that fit any book:
- What part of this book reminds you of your family?
- What would you do if you were one of the characters?
- What new thing did you learn?
Print them on small colorful cards, translated, that students can decorate during the event and take home in an envelope.
Checklist to prepare
- Event flyer or info sheet with the date and time. Families can be invited to wear cultural attire if they wish.
- Project instructions and a sample or template, sent home early.
- A book list for each grade, with both fiction and nonfiction.