The City of Rancho Cordova is one of the most diverse communities in the Sacramento region. Time magazine has recognized Sacramento as being America’s Most Diverse City. It is estimated that over eighty four languages are spoken at the local schools. Schools must be aware of this diverse population and work to develop an understanding of the perspectives of children who come from different backgrounds.

The Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova partners with local schools to educate students about cultures around the world. The museum has launched a new Cultural Connections On-The-Go (CCOTG) program. By providing a variety of direct experiences, through classroom hands-on activities, the Children’s Museum believes that a child can learn while having fun. Their new CCOTG Trunk Program features the countries of China and Mexico.

Teachers are encouraged to “rent” trunks for each country, free of charge. Each trunk contains five lessons, interactive activities, and all of the supplies that are required to teach students about different cultures. This is accomplished with hands-on activities which include information about the culture and its holidays.

Chinese New Year was celebrated in the second grade classroom at White Rock Elementary School. The activities included learning how the people of China approach the New Year. This is done by singing a song with a traditional Chinese New Year greeting and making a paper lantern.

Additional activities include discovering the history of silk and firecrackers and how these products are created. The students will take a look at the Chinese food culture, and learn about brewing tea. The proper way to hold and eat with chopsticks is shared. Part of CCOTG Trunk Program also includes hearing the legend of the first Chinese dragon, and joining in a dragon dance with a drum background.

A Mexico program is also available in a trunk format. This lesson plan includes exploring the geography of Mexico as well as their cuisine. The children will learn how tortillas are produced and the skills to make their own at home. The Aztec legend, the colors of the flag and what they mean, and the experience of bullfighting is presented. Why and how Cinco de Mayo is celebrated, and the history of the piñata is shared. Students can create maracas and learn how to dance the Mexican Hat Dance. The Aztec Indians culture is discovered and sun art is created. The next trunk program will be about Egypt.

The Children’s Museum has embraced the City of Rancho Cordova’s diversity by launching its Cultural Connections program at the museum. The Museum saw a need to bring the program to children in the local schools. They received a grant for $10,000 from the City of Rancho Cordova’s Community Enhancement Fund. This funding enabled the museum to expand the program and provide the trunks to 12 Rancho Cordova elementary schools. The trunks were provided at no cost to the teachers or the school districts. The end result will be students who are knowledgeable about many cultures, and a community that can truly appreciate its diversity.