Diversity ABC Book

Step 1. Choose a culture.

Step 2. Conduct research to find information about your selected culture. 

a) Use sources of cultural information
There are many ways to find information about other cultures. Some resources are on the Internet, some are in the classroom, some are in the Media Center, and others could be right at home. Listed below are sources for research:

• Books
• Encyclopedias
• Websites
• Magazines (such as National Geographic)
• Maps
• Photographs and posters
• Movies and music

b) Make a list of possible artifacts
Once you’ve found some good resources, start making a list of items, or artifacts, that are important to your selected culture. Artifacts tell us interesting things about a culture. Every culture has artifacts that have religious, social, or medicinal significance. Listed below are typical artifacts:

• Official symbols or emblems, such as a flag, motto, song, prayer or pledge, hero, coat of arms, food, flower, costume, and bird or other animal.

• Features of everyday life, such as traditional dance, popular music, celebrations, etiquette, public services, and religions or forms of worship.

• Famous people, places, and events, such as educators, authors, artists, and celebrities; buildings, monuments, or statues; and holidays and historical events.

Step 3. Select a cultural symbol to represent each letter.

• Select words

As you collect information, try to connect the events and information to a letter of the alphabet. Avoid general statements such as “J is for Jamaican” or “E is for Ethiopian.” The goal is to present the unique languages, beliefs, and traditions of your selected culture.

• Write sentences

Show respect and understanding of your selected culture by avoiding negative stereotypes.

• Choose illustrations

Use clip art, a photograph, or a drawing to represent each word. Be sure that your illustrations show respect to your selected culture’s dress, dance, and beliefs. 

Step 4: Create an alphabet book about your selected culture.

Now it's time to put everything together into an alphabet book so you can share what you have learned with your families, classmates, and others!