Selecting Stories for Multicultural Art Lessons (Kindergarten-2nd Grade Emphasis).

Storytelling has cultural roots and this can be employed to teach a culturally pluralistic curriculum. Stories can be selected from a variety of sources and used to match lesson objectives. Criteria for selecting stories should include the authenticity of cultural representation, the amount of cultural information, appropriateness, and the estimated interest of the child. In art education, these stories can be used as a basis for lessons on mask-making, drawing, toy-making, kite-making, origami, oriental brush painting, puppets, patterned quilts, and art history. Examples of stories include "Lord of the Dance" by Veronique Tadjo which explains the intended use of masks in African ceremonies, and "Arrow to the Sun" by Gerald McDermott, a story about American Indians. The most important aspect of verbal and visual storytelling is that students are given opportunities to express their own feelings about the world around them. (KM)