Chapter 1 A Close-Up View of You 21
and traditions can help residents better under-
stand one another. This can foster mutual respect
for diverse opinions and lifestyles.
The values of the United States are also part of
your environment. Founding documents like the
Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Con-
stitution establish that all Americans have equal
rights. They also emphasize the importance of
freedom in promoting happiness. American values
also include the importance of respect for others’
rights and tolerance and acceptance of differences.
The Infl uence of the School
Environment
School-age children are busy experiencing new
situations and becoming more self-reliant. They
learn new skills, make new friends, and join group
activities. Their activities and interests outside the
family increase.
Families can help children adjust to this new
environment by providing encouragement, love,
and acceptance. They can help children practice
skills learned at school. They can attend school
events and show an interest in their children’s
schoolwork and classmates. This can help children
develop a positive attitude about school and their
learning.
A quality school environment provides a set-
ting that encourages students to learn and grow.
School facilities and after-school activities can
inspire students to interact with schoolmates in
clubs or sports. The curriculum should offer a wide
range of courses that stimulate students’ intellectual
growth and prepare them for career opportunities
and active citizenship.
Teachers in a quality school environment
encourage students by helping them fi nd areas
in which they can succeed. Some students need
a chance to learn at a slower pace. Others need
What multicultural influences can you identify
around you? In what ways have these influences
affected you personally?
Twins and Other Multiple Siblings
Twins—two children born at the same time—
often share more than a birthday. These siblings
often have very special bonds with one another.
Some twins are identical, meaning they share the
exact same genetic makeup. They can still develop
different personalities and personal identities, how-
ever. Some twins are no more alike than any other
pair of siblings. These fraternal twins can even be
of both genders. They were simply born at the same
time. Whether identical or fraternal, twins often
feel particularly close to each other. Some even have
a sense of what the other is thinking and feeling,
without words being spoken.
In other sets of multiple siblings, the children
may not have that same closeness to all members of
the set. Children who are part of a set of multiple
siblings often begin to learn very early to share
with one another.
The relationships you have within your fam-
ily have a major impact on the development of
your personal identity and self-esteem. The inter-
actions between family members affect the way
you grow and develop, the way you see and view
yourself, and your feelings of worth and value.
The Infl uence of Cultural
Heritage and Society
Each family environment is strongly infl uenced
by its cultural heritage (Figure 1.15). Every culture
in the world has its unique way of life. The families
within these cultures pass on their customs
and traditions to their children. Your cultural
heritage is learned behavior that is passed from
generation to generation. Your family’s beliefs, values,
relationship patterns, and guidelines for living,
based in part on that cultural heritage, shape your
own. The holidays you celebrate, the foods you eat,
and the traditions or ceremonies you observe are
part of your culture.
In a large society like the United States, chil-
dren are exposed to many different cultures. That
is especially true for children who grow up in a
large city. It can also be true of children in smaller
towns that have a mix of cultures. A diverse com-
munity can enrich the lives of all. Sharing values
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