From Understood.org article:
You don’t need to become an expert on all cultural groups and languages. But you do need to understand your students’ cultural identities to build a positive classroom culture and create relevant learning opportunities. Learn about your students’ cultures, whether that’s a country on the other side of the globe or a neighborhood down the street.
It’s also important to think about how your own culture impacts your teaching practices. This reflection can help you develop a mindset that strengthens relationships with all students, including those whose backgrounds are different from yours.
How can you or have you educated yourself on the cultural identities of your students?
From Understood.org article:
All students bring language assets and skills to the classroom. They may also have different styles of interaction and communication.
Be mindful of the different communication styles, patterns, and norms your students may use.
Bring a diverse range of poetry, music, or other forms of expression into the classroom on a regular basis.
Learn about the language skills students bring to the classroom. For example, English language learners (ELLs) have bilingual skills that are often overlooked when they are evaluated only for their mastery of English.
Some African American students regularly switch between dialects, known as code-switching. This skill requires high levels of linguistic, social, cultural, and cognitive ability, but it often goes unnoticed. Talk about how this skill can help students navigate contexts in and out of school. Support them in using language that’s appropriate to each context.
From Understood.org
Develop authentic, caring relationships. Relationships establish trust and respect — crucial ingredients for learning.
Learn how to say students’ names correctly.
Give students chances to share what’s happening in their lives. Try using one-on-one chats, group discussions, or journals.
When possible, find ways to support students outside of the classroom, like at afterschool events.
Create a welcoming classroom. Think about whether your classroom sends a message that students are welcome and that great things are possible for their learning.
Look at your classroom walls. Ask yourself whether all of your students can find relatable visuals and props from a diverse range of fields and backgrounds. You can also involve students in setting up the classroom.
Think about whether all your students get regular, authentic messages of affirmation.
Include different kinds of diversity in your classroom materials. Think about ethnicity, language, ability, gender identity, and socioeconomic experiences. Watch out for materials that perpetuate stereotypes or insulting depictions of diverse communities.
What are some things you have done to create an inclusive classroom?
From Understood.org
Culturally responsive teaching is a shift in mindset that will not happen overnight. It requires a willingness to learn, be vulnerable, be flexible with instruction, and reflect. The path to culturally responsive teaching is a journey, but with practice and patience, it will benefit you and all of your students.
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