An ethnographic study observed a kindergarten classroom community, as "Peley" (of Southeast Asian origin) and "Raji" (of Indian origin) interacted with students and staff to develop their English literacy. Data included field notes collected at home and at the suburban, central New York elementary school. In-depth interviews with parents, educators, and the two children were conducted. Results indicated that: (1) the children struggled with their social interactions; (2) the children were often visibly confused during holiday festivities and classroom celebrations; (3) home-school communication was inadequate; and (4) the teacher struggled to understand the children but was unaware of the children's home cultures. Findings suggest that early childhood classrooms should adopt the additive or diversity perspective rather than focus on assimilation or cultural blending. (Twenty-six references are attached.) (RS)