Background:
As ECEC providers, we often teach children lessons, values, and morals through storytelling and relating our personal experience to create meaning. Storytelling is valuable in learning. Children learn about their own culture through stories as well as gain an appreciation of other cultures.

Prepare for this assignment by completing the following items:

Directions: Using one of the topics from the list below, create an age-appropriate Storyjumper book about a culture that is unfamiliar to you. You must:

• Research your chosen topic and explain relevant content surrounding specific cultural variances or differences. For example, how are the discipline patterns impacted by the selected groups cultural norm?
• Select a topic (see the topic list below or create your own topic) and discuss the beliefs, biases, and practices of a particular culture through your Storyjumper.

Suggested topics:
Sleeping arrangements, toileting habits (potty-training), parenting styles (attachment parenting), discipline, feeding schedule, spanking, spoiling, the types and levels of language (even among social classes), independent vs. independent expectations, etc.

Suggested Cultural Influences/ Groups:
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender families (LGBT) families, children with special needs, cultural holidays, religious practices, aesthetic differences (ex. skin color, facial features), clothing rituals, overcoming biases, respecting other cultures, eating diverse food at school, etc.
 
To complete this assignment:

• Create a children’s book and explain how your topic could be addressed or resolved in a culturally responsive manner. If story book ask for Author please put SA.
• Please provide the link for the storybook.
• Your story must be between ten to twelve pages (not including title page) long and have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Be creative!

 Required Reference

Hearron, P. & Hildebrand, V. (2009). Guiding young children. (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson. 

http://www.storytellinginstitute.org/3.html

https://storytellingasperformance.wordpress.com/2013/02/12/60/

http://www.storyjumper.com/main/help

 Other References

Banks, J. A., & Banks, C. A. M. (Eds.). (2004). Multicultural education: Issues and perspectives.  Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Greenspan, S. I. (2002). The secure child: Helping our children feel safe and confident in a changing world. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press Books.
Hearron, P. & Hildebrand, V. (2009). Guiding young children. (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson. 
NICHHD. (n.d.). Mother’s and infants around the world: A report of the cross-cultural data collection at five months. Child and Family Research Report 1. Retrieved from http://www.cfr.nichd.nih.gov/report1.html  
Rogoff, B., Paradise, R., Arauz, R. M., Correa-Chaves, M., & Angelillo, C. (2003). Firsthand learning through intent participation. Annual Review of Psychology, 54, 175-203
Ward-Grodd, S. (2006, May 1). A reflection on developmentally appropriate practice. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?A-¬Reflection-¬on-¬Developmentally-¬Appropriate–Practice&id=188467  
Winton, P. J., McCollum, J. A., & Catlett, C. (2008). Practical approaches to early childhood professional development: Evidence, strategies, and resources. Washington DC: Zero to Three