Children's Institute of Cultural
Appreciation and Understanding

Children's Institute of Cultural
Appreciation and Understanding



Insights and Thought Leadership



Celebrating Black History Month: A Global Reflection on Legacy, Culture, and Progress


Ma'Keva Myricks-Puri
February 20, 2025



From Childhood to College: The Importance of Early Cultural Education in College Readiness


Yolonda Udvardy, Ed.D.
September 28, 2024

As a college administrator and educator, I believe early cultural education can significantly influence students as they transition into higher education. Introducing young learners to diverse cultures and perspectives helps build a foundation of cultural awareness and empathy, which can resonate throughout their academic and personal lives. Read Full Post »



7 Ways to Build Global and Cultural Competency in Any Classroom


Ann Wagner, Ed.D.
September 13, 2024

With over twenty years of experience in educational administration both in the U.S. and abroad, I’ve thought deeply about what it means for our children to become global citizens. One thing I have come to understand is that as our world grows increasingly interconnected, it is crucial that students develop cultural awareness and a global mindset. Read Full Post »



A Teacher's take on Cultural Education


Davíd Luna
August 23, 2024

The offering of any opinion on the teaching and learning of culture would be remiss not to name the identities that inform and limit my understanding of people and their practices, products, and perspectives. I am a young, male teacher of color. Read Full Post »



Raising Culturally Conscious Children: A Teacher's Perspective


Alena Carter
May 31, 2024

For many children, the first place they experience diverse cultures in one location is at school. As a teacher, it is important to me that my classroom be welcoming of all students. Part of that is creating a classroom culture that allows all students to feel important and seen. Read Full Post »



How Community Organizations Support Cultural Education for Children


Preeti P. Menon
January 30, 2024

In a world that is becoming increasingly diverse, community organizations play a crucial role in fostering cultural education and awareness among young children. By providing valuable insights and practical tips, community organizations can contribute to building a more inclusive and understanding society. First step in this endeavor is to start by creating awareness about the importance of cultural diversity. Read Full Post »



Raising Culturally Conscious Children: A Parent's Perspective

Ma'Keva Myricks-Puri
October 6, 2023

As parents, educators, and community members, we are responsible for shaping the future generation. It is essential to raise children who are both culturally aware and appreciative of the rich tapestry of cultures surrounding them. Cultivating cultural awareness and appreciation in children ages 5-11 is crucial to raising empathetic, open-minded, and globally-minded individuals who will foster tolerance, diversity, and harmony, then pay it forward. This three-part series will explore valuable insights and practical tips parents, educators, and community organizations can use to support, encourage, and share in nurturing cultural education and spreading awareness to young children. Read Full Post »



Nurturing Young Minds: The Importance of Cultural Education in Elementary School


Preeti P. Menon
August 26, 2023

Elementary school marks the foundation of a child's educational journey. It's during these formative years that young minds are shaped and nurtured. The current cohort of elementary aged children have experienced virtual learning at the start of their grade school learning, a time when they start to develop friendships with those who are different from their own families.

The challenges of children developing multicultural friendships during the pandemic are multifaceted, stemming from limited physical interaction, virtual learning, cultural misunderstandings, mental health issues, language barriers, and restricted cultural celebrations. Read Full Post »



Our Cultures, Our Inspiration


Preeti P. Menon and Ma'Keva Myricks-Puri
November 26, 2023

Our inspiration for embarking on this journey of creating and offering cultural education for children stems from our own family experiences. Our familial relationships have offered us incredibly immersive encounters that have benefited the both of us. Our children have had the opportunity to naturally embrace and participate in various family traditions and cultures. Read Full Post »




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