{Guest post by Author Jacqueline Jules}
I am always a little uncomfortable when asked to provide information on my ethnicity. My skin is white but the box for “other” feels more emotionally correct. I often wish there was a designation on these forms for religious minorities.
3 Easy Activities to Promote Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
Guest post by Language Lizard
As students head back to school, it’s essential for them to feel welcomed, acknowledged, and safe in their classrooms. With U.S. schools continuing to change to reflect our country’s increasing cultural diversity, students must learn cultural respect and inclusion. Here are three easy activities designed to help ensure a smooth transition and introduce the concept of cultural diversity to students. In addition, these activities will help foster relationships based on respect, equality, and diversity in the classroom. (These activities work best for children in grades K-3 but will work if modified for older children.)
Make It Fun!
Playing a simple game such as “I Am Unique Scavenger Hunt” allows students to share something unique about themselves and to understand and appreciate the differences between themselves and their classmates. In addition, this game will play a role in learning the importance of accepting others regardless of differences.
How to play “I Am Unique Scavenger Hunt”: Students share one thing about themselves that makes them special and unique. The teacher will then make a list of the facts without the names. Next, the children must ask each other questions to determine whose name goes where.
Another fun game is “Walk the Line, if…,” which is an excellent way for students to get to know one another. It also works to celebrate one another’s uniqueness and highlights how many parts of their identity they have in common with others.
How to play “Walk the Line, if…”: Have the students gather on one side of the room/line and face towards its center. The teacher calls out specific categories/labels/descriptions and asks all those to whom this applies to walk to the other side of the room/line. Continue with questions ranging from who wears glasses to who speaks another language other than English, etc.
All About Me!
Have each child create a one-page poster or book that explores their identity. The student will have the opportunity to write, draw or use pictures that tell who they are, where they are from, and what they like to do. This exercise allows them to understand their background and what distinguishes them from those around them. After the student presents information about themselves, take the time to mark a world map that will indicate where each person and family originates.
Explore Multicultural and Bilingual Books
Reading bilingual books highlighting different cultures, traditions, and customs allows teachers to help children feel comfortable with cultural diversity. In addition, they introduce children to different languages and enable them to delve more deeply into the languages represented in the classroom. Finally, these books are an excellent springboard to other activities, including vocabulary development, geography lessons, and craft activities based on the book’s theme. For more lesson plans and book ideas, visit Language Lizard. Many of Language Lizard’s bilingual books come with free lesson plans and activities to support diverse classrooms.
Benefits of a Culturally Diverse Classroom
One of the many benefits of having a culturally diverse classroom includes varied student perspectives, insights, and thoughts, allowing for a richer classroom discussion. Also, multicultural classrooms encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. And a culturally diverse classroom will better prepare students for their future in today’s ever-changing world.
“Beat The Heat” – Summer Language Learning Fun with Idioms
Guest post by Language Lizard
One way to “beat the heat” and keep the kids learning all summer long is with nature idioms. Kids will be “over the moon” to learn these fun and silly expressions!
What is an Idiom? [Read more…]
International Day of Friendship – 6 Fun and Easy Ways to Celebrate
Guest post by Language Lizard
What is International Day of Friendship?
International Day of Friendship, also known as World Friendship Day, was created by the United Nations in 2011 “with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.” Held annually on July 30th, the International Day of Friendship encourages involving “…young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.”
Guest post by Afsaneh Moradian
About two years ago, my child informed us that they are nonbinary. That they don’t identify as either boy or girl and that their pronouns are now they/them. Of course, this was fine with me. But, it did take a lot of work to stop using she/her in reference to my child. I’d been doing that for so many years, I was on autopilot. I tried and made a lot of mistakes in the beginning. Then I saw my child’s face when someone called them she. My child cringed and felt so uncomfortable.
