2. We are a multi-ethnic people

Themes in the suggested curriculum: The ethnic factor in national development. Ethnic belongingness. Ethnic differences: how to learn to respect them. Young citizens of Russia.

Themes in the suggested curriculum: The ethnic factor in national development. Ethnic belongingness. Ethnic differences: how to learn to respect them. Young citizens of Russia.

Aims:

• building a positive attitude towards Russia's multi-ethnic character;
• influencing the establishment of an identity based upon citizenship in the Russian Federation;
• familiarisation with the components of the cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia;  
• realising the similarity of the basic value systems and concepts entertained by different peoples and cultures. 

Target group: school years 5-6

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Short description:

The work begins with a short questionnaire on Russia's multi-ethnic nature. The results will be fed into a computer system, after which each participant will be able to see the general opinion of the group and compare this with his own answers.

Next comes a discussion, during which consideration will be given to the influence of inter-cultural differences on inter-ethnic relations. 

The youngsters will then watch a video film about the meeting of a teenager with the representatives of one of the republics in the Russian Federation. The aim of this section is to form a positive attitude towards the cultural diversity present in Russia.

After watching the film, a discussion will be held on what distinguishes different peoples from each other, and what unites them.

Then, in order to gain an acquaintance with the value systems pertaining to the peoples of Russia, an understanding of the presence of universal values of importance to all peoples, and the formation of inter-cultural interest, the exercise “Folk Wisdom” will be conducted in pairs. With the help of the session leader, the youngsters analyse the meanings and values reflected in national proverbs, discovering their universal basis. During discussion, the conclusion made after the questionnaire will be reinforced.

During the next stage of the session, the schoolchildren learn about the wider cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia. In a practice in game format, analysis is also made of national folklore.

An exercise is then held in which the positive attitude towards Russia's multi-ethnic nature is reinforced, and an understanding formed of its variety as an important resource to the country.

At the end of the session, a final questionnaire is conducted via i-pad for the sharing of the experience gained and the reinforcement of amicable behaviour towards other ethnicities. The aim of this is to communicate the experience obtained and the conclusions arrived at by the schoolchildren.