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Use diverse literature to encourage discussion and empathy. Students are placed in small groups to read books that reflect different cultures and experiences. For example, reading I am enough and I am back helps students learn about immigration and cultural identity. These stories create opportunities for students to share their own perspectives and make cultural connections across the curriculum.

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Design cross-curricular units around global themes such as immigration, social justice, or climate change. For example, a unit on "Migration" can include social studies lessons on refugee experiences, science lessons on climate change, and language arts readings from global authors. This helps students understand world issues through multicultural perspectives.

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Young people share their reasons for migrating

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Incorporate multiple viewpoints when teaching historical events. For example, teach westward expansion alongside Native American perspectives or include African American voices when discussing the Civil Rights Movement. Use primary sources, oral histories, and lesser-known heroes to give a fuller, more inclusive picture of history.

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Highlight how different cultures contribute meaningfully to academic subjects. For example, in math or art, explore the intricate geometry and symmetry in Mexican Talavera tiles, students can analyze patterns, measure angles, or even design their own tiles inspired by traditional ones. This shows how cultural artistry intersects with math and design, helping students connect classroom content to real-world cultural contributions. Also, link tile-making to history or geography by exploring its Spanish-Mexican origins.

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Invite students to share cultural traditions or home experiences in lessons. Use students’ home experiences as educational resources. For example, if a student helps their family with cooking, use that context to teach fractions or measurements in math. Acknowledging and valuing students’ cultural backgrounds builds trust and engagement.

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2. Differentiated Instruction with Cultural Relevance

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2. Differentiated Instruction with Cultural Relevance

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1. Use familiar cultural references in examples and problems. For example, when teaching sequencing or procedural writing, use a tamale-making recipe instead of a generic example. In math, use traditional foods like tortillas to teach fractions or geometry.

2. Provide multiple methods of instruction. Some students may thrive through storytelling, others through visuals or hands-on practice. When exploring holidays, allow students to create posters, present a family tradition orally, or write a narrative from their perspective.

3. Creating student choice menus. Let students select how they demonstrate understanding, through a drawing, or oral presentation.

4. Incorporate cooperative learning by grouping students in ways that encourage peer teaching and cultural exchange. For example, in a lesson about measurement, one student can explain a traditional recipe from their background while others convert the measurements.

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Students are more engaged and take ownership of their education when they are given the freedom to choose and combine their identities. Voice and choice may be included into lesson plans, classroom procedures, and assessments.

1. Offer culturally open-ended assignments. Instead of assigning one type of project, allow students to choose how they demonstrate learning like poetry, a poster, or video.

2. Let students pick topics that relate to their heritage or interests. In a research unit, they can explore their cultural holidays, family migration stories, or issues affecting their community.

3. Create class discussions where students share perspectives on texts, social issues, or classroom topics. Use circle sharing protocols or talking sticks to ensure every voice is heard.

4. Build student leadership by assigning classroom responsibilities or let students lead a short lesson on something from their culture.

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Recognizing and using students' home languages into regular school activities demonstrates respect for their identities and boosts academic performance. Multilingual learners tend to thrive when education includes linguistic flexibility and visual aids.

1. Label classroom items in multiple languages. Use both English and students' home languages like Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic to help them feel welcomed and supported in language development.

2. Provide translation tools and support. Use apps like Google Translate to help with instructions, parent communication, or classroom directions.

3. Use visual aids, gestures, and modeling. Multilingual learners benefit from non-verbal cues and repeated exposure to content in multiple formats.

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Decorate the classroom with student-created art, posters, and books that reflect a variety of cultures. Display multilingual welcome signs and a world map showing students’ heritage. This helps create a sense of belonging for all students.

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a class that has diverse inspiring leaders posters on the wall 

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2. Working Together to Build Respectful Norms

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2. Working Together to Build Respectful Norms

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create classroom expectations that promote respect, inclusion, and empathy. Involve students in creating agreements like “Respect all voices” or “Celebrate differences.” Revisiting these norms regularly fosters a safe, culturally respectful environment.

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Recognize holidays and observances from various cultures like the Lunar New Year, Eid, or Hanukkah. Invite students to share how they celebrate or create class activities around these dates. This increases awareness and appreciation for different traditions.

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Culturally Responsive Teaching

Finding simple ways to celebrate different holidays in the classroom can create a culture of inclusion and deepen understanding.

Michael Wheatley / Alamy Stock Photo

I'm full of warm and fuzzy memories of holiday celebrations from my time as a student: the annual Thanksgiving dinner in the gymnasium, the Halloween parade of costumes, Christmas concert preparations and presentations, and Easter egg painting.

Holiday celebrations and traditions are often the most exciting part of the school year for kids and teachers, but how do we navigate holidays and traditions while creating a classroom that is inclusive and respectful?

Strategies in classrooms and schools allow teachers to navigate any holiday or special event respectfully with academic benefits as well. Select holidays and religious celebrations based on your classroom representation. When I get more diverse classrooms, I do my best to celebrate more prominent holidays, learn about ones that would be new to most of my students, and at least share a quick video or do a small activity to acknowledge them.

Learn About Each Other

Knowing and learning about classmates' and teachers' cultural backgrounds, religions, families, and traditions at the beginning of the school year reduces fear and increases empathy. It also creates a platform where students can ask questions and break down stereotypes. Because some students and parents may be resistant at first, I send a message home at the beginning of the school year outlining our purpose in celebrating different holidays as part of my general introduction letter. I usually include a section that reads: "We are excited to learn about each other's families, cultures, holidays, and celebrations throughout the school year. If you would like to volunteer to share a cultural holiday, meal, or celebration with us, please contact me via the signature information below."

As a result of my invitation through the introductory letter, I have had many parents come forward to share and take part in celebrations with us. We've burned sweetgrass, displayed traditional costumes from various cultures, danced to traditional holiday songs from many areas of the world-and of course cooked and tried many holiday dishes.

Identity Collage: Students can create and present a visual collage that represents their ancestry, religion, and family. Teachers can also complete and present this activity.

How many places have you lived?

Where have you traveled?

What's your favorite pastime?

What's your favorite holiday?

Do you play sports?

What's your favorite subject in school?

What's your cultural background?

How many people are in your family?

Do you have any pets?

What's your favorite food?

10 Questions: Ask students to create a list of 10 get-to-know-you questions, and then allow students to interact with each other. Each pair of students then introduces their partner to the class. Often, students will require example questions to get them started. I usually start with a brainstorming list of questions students can use and leave them on the board throughout the duration of this activity.

Possible questions might include:

Line Game: Use a tape to create a line on the classroom floor. Then ask students questions such as "Who has a sibling?" or "Who has lived in another country?" and have any students with that experience stand on the line. Students can ask questions, and the teacher can participate as well. The game provides a low-risk way for students to share information about their experiences and backgrounds.

Incorporate Academics

Why do we celebrate or acknowledge holidays and traditions? How did these holidays and traditions develop? Often, students have no idea about the origins of the holidays or traditions they celebrate. Learning about them allows for academic study and discussion about why they exist.

Expand the focus beyond North American holidays and traditions. My favorite way to expand our focus is to start with a History Channel video about holidays and traditions from a variety of cultures and religions. I find that they are short and engaging, and often come with activities and resources for teachers. Once viewing is complete, you can follow up with a variety of different activities to deepen learning. For example, after viewing, I will ask students to write a paragraph about an element of the film. Group discussions about the content can also be a good starting point for understanding different holidays and faiths.

Films are not the only mechanism for fostering better understanding. Inviting leaders of different faith traditions to the classroom to share their experiences can be a personalized way to improve understanding. I invite a local indigenous leader to my classroom to share about his traditions and oral creation stories. He usually also burns sweetgrass as part of this activity, and my students have always been interested and engaged in this experience that is foreign to most of them. Students gain a more nuanced understanding of the neighboring indigenous traditions by hearing in person from a local leader.

Celebrate Everything

If you're learning about a variety of holidays and traditions around the world that have specific celebration dates, they should be celebrated in your classroom the same way you would celebrate traditional North American holidays and traditions. Simple strategies such as inviting students to dress a certain way, create a piece of art, share food, sing a song, or write something related to the holiday or tradition can help students appreciate others' holidays and traditions.

Whatever method of celebration you choose, the fact that you are stopping your regular classroom activities to show respect to all holidays and traditions celebrated by your students creates an environment of acceptance and inclusivity.

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Sharing Holiday Traditions in the Classroom

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Finding simple ways to celebrate different holidays in the classroom can create a culture of inclusion and deepen understanding.

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Help students explore their cultural backgrounds and develop empathy by engaging in personal identity activities. One powerful method is creating a family tree that includes cultural, linguistic, or migration details passed down through generations. This fosters self-awareness, appreciation for family heritage, and understanding of classmates’ diverse stories.

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Host evening events where families can share food, music, and stories from their cultures. Students and parents can create booths, performances, or presentations. These events celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen school-family relationships. Have students interview parents about their cultural background to share.

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Family Cultural Fair & Literacy Night at Northwood Elementary

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Invite community members, like artists, parents, or professionals, to share their expertise and culture in the classroom. For example, a parent could demonstrate traditional dances or cooking. This connects classroom learning to real-life cultural experiences. You can use Zoom for virtual guest sessions.

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3. Parent Workshops in Multiple Languages

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3. Parent Workshops in Multiple Languages

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Hosting parent workshops in families home languages is a powerful strategy to build trust, increase engagement, and ensure equitable access to information. When families feel respected and informed, they are more likely to participate in their child’s education. Language-inclusive workshops help bridge gaps between school and home by offering clear, culturally relevant guidance on how to support learning.

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Engage students in service or research projects that involve their community and highlight cultural strengths. Examples include interviewing elders, or organizing cleanups with local organizations. These projects build pride and connection.

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Rhoads, R. A. (1998). In the Service of Citizenship: A Study of Student Involvement in Community Service. Journal of Higher Education, 69(3), 277–297.

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Davis, W. J., & Yan, J. (2025). ‘I think culture has so many different pieces’: A duoethnographic reflection on teaching cultural knowledge in second language classrooms. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 28(5), 628–644. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/13670050.2024.2446989

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Kang, H.-S. (Theresa), Kim, E.-J., & Park, S. (2019). Multicultural teaching efficacy and cultural intelligence of teachers : The effects of learning goal orientation and training readiness. International Journal of Educational Management, 33(2), 265–275. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1108/IJEM-11-2017-0318