Title
Children Speak About Interethnic and Interracial Friendships in the Classroom: Lessons for Teachers
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Published In
Multicultural Education
Abstract
In this article, the author discusses her research on children's perspectives of interracial and interethnic friendships in a multiethnic school and highlights children's voices on these intergroup friendships. Schools are important spaces in which social and cultural competencies necessary to the formation of intergroup friendships may be supported (Zirkel, 2008). Schools provide settings in which children learn about themselves and other children, adults, and the society in which they live. Steinitz & Solomon (1989) describe schools as "sites of identity," places where "young people draw conclusions about what sort of people they are, what society has in store for them, and what they can therefore hope for" (p. 135). In this context, teachers, staff, and administrators may act as important models and facilitators for young children as they develop intra and inter-personally. Therefore, in this article, the author also examines how the school supports or mitigates these intergroup friendships. Implications for educators are discussed.
Rights
© Caddo Gap Press. Material is not to be reproduced for distribution or sale with permission of copyright holder.
Recommended Citation
Pica-Smith, C. (2009). Children Speak About Interethnic and Interracial Friendships in the Classroom: Lessons for Teachers. Multicultural Education 17(1): 38-47. https://digitalcommons.assumption.edu/hsrs-faculty/6
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons