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Read pages 33-38, "Why Does Culture Matter for ELs'  Teaching and Learning?"

1.  Repeat process of GIST for pages 33-38.

2.  Post your list of 10 words/ concepts that are "most important" to understanding the text.

3.   When finished, post your summary statement(s) of this section to the Padlet.

4.  Take a few mintutes to read over others list of words/concepts and statement summary.
*  Leave a comment for two colleagues.

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Purpose:

This is an after reading strategy to identify the most important words and concepts that are “most important” to understanding the text.

Procedure:

1.  As you read pages, 30-31 "What is Culture?" underline 10 words and concepts that are “most important” to understanding text.

2.  As a group we will create a collaborative a list of 10 words and concepts that are “most important” to understanding text.

3.  Collectively, we will  write one or two summary statements using as many of the listed words as possible.

4.  The summary will be posted on the Padlet page  for all to see.

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Our List of 10 words/pharase for "What is Culture?"

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Our List of 10 words/pharase for "What is Culture?"

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2.  evolving
3. complex
4. variability/second generation immigrants
5. shared
6. profound
7. culturally diverse
8. visible/ invisible

10.  overgeneralizing
11. emotional weight
12. cultural identify

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Michele's Top 10 and Summary Statement  (Example) 

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Michele's Top 10 and Summary Statement  (Example) 

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1.  impacts
2.  beliefs
3.  expectations
4.  engagement
5.  explicit
6.  two- part process
7.   different
8.  reflect
9.  perspective
10.  connected

Summary statement:

Cutlure matters for ELs teaching and learning because _________________________.

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Think about what you have read in this chapter related to culture in the classroom. What will stick with you from this chapter as you return to your classroom? Explain.

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Culture is complex and evolving, and varies between generations and social groups. -Megan

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Culture is complex and evolving, and varies between generations and social groups. -Megan

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A person's culture is a dynamic and profound part of their identity that is influenced by generation and community. - Sabryna

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Culture is ever evolving and profound that can be varied among each group and generation.
- Cara

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It is important to have an understanding of what culture is and that it is always changing. It is also important to note that there are levels of cultures, both visible and invisible.-Jessica

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Read pages 39-52, "What is Culturally Responsive Pedagogy?"

1.  Repeat process of GIST for pages 39-52.

2.  Post your list of 10 words/ concepts that are "most important" to understanding the text.

3.   When finished, post your summary statement(s) of this section to the Padlet.

4.  Take a few mintutes to read over others list of words/concepts and statement summary.
*  Leave a comment for two colleagues.

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Culture is complex and evolves throughout generations.  

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Culture is complex and evolves throughout generations.  

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Pam H.

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As an ESOL teacher , who is responsive to a student's culture, it is important to remember that culture is evolving, complex, and diverse.

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Pages 30-31 spoke how one's culture is constantly evolving. Cultures are diverse, some aspects are invisible to the eye, and at times overgeneralized among others.

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Jan:

Culture is a complex, evolving cultural identity with a shared culturally diverse belief system with many inside and outside influences.  Second generation immigrants often carry emotional weight due to variability of beliefs due to surrounding cultural influences, often which are invisible.

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Culture can be described as evolving, complex, and profound. One's cultural identity can change as new experiences are gained, often causing cultural diversity within families.

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Culture is shared, complex, and ever evolving. It can be diverse within groups and can carry emotional weight.
-Pam Gill

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Culture is an evolving and complex because of its shared cultural diversity in which ones cultural identity can sometimes be overgeneralized, which results in the emotional weight that is not visible and influences ones cultural identity. -Danielle

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The complexity of a diverse culture is characterized by its shared continual evolvement, its variability among generations, and its profound visible and invisible elements that are intertwined.
-S. Buzby

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Culture is a complex and evolving system that has variability within, and it manifests itself in visible and invisible ways.

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Culture is a complex, variable, evolving, visible and invisible, shared yet diverse set of beliefs that we live by.  The most profound, emotionally weighted, and challenging aspects of a person's cultural identity  - both shallow and deep - are usually the invisible ones.
-- Karen Hile :)

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Culture is a profound, complex and evolving part of a person's life.
Laura

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Culture is ever evolving, and it is a complex dinamic that can have an impact on a teacher- student relationship and its outcome.

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Culture is an evolving group of beliefs that are shared among individuals within a social group.

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A student's culture is complex and dynamic. Many variables must be carefully considered when crafting culturally responsive instruction.

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expectations
different
support
perspective
understanding
engage
discussion
models
mismatch
participation

Culture matters for ELs teaching and learning because the differences between student and teacher expectations need to support the mismatch and start engaging students and teachers in deeper discussions about culture.

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understanding
responsive
meaningful
empathy
mindset
respect
approaches
unique
appreciate
perspective

Culturally relevant pedagogy is the way in which teachers can teach in a way that puts students at the center of learning and can empower the students by appreciating the differences in their backgrounds and their lives.

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As I go into the classroom or as I am in professional development meetings with staff, I really want to start having discussions about our differences and how it may effect how we teach and view students.

I believe the more we know and we are more aware, it will make us better teachers.  We will change our mindset as well as our students mindset about each other.

- Cara

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Culture is a complex and ever-evolving shared identity that contains variability across generations and social groups, as well as visible and invisible aspects.
Holly Michael

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1. impacts
2. expectations
3. communicating
4. relationship
5. motivation
6. differences
7. norms
8. culturally competent educator
9. reflect
10. opportunities
Culturally competent educators must be willing to reflect on the differences and varied norms within the classroom in order to create relationships and opportunities for success for all students.

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1. meaningful
2. empowers
3. respects
4. perspectives
5. appreciate
6. obstacles
7. incorporate
8. empathy
9. variety
10. collaboration
Culturally responsive pedagogy is the way in which teachers empower their students by respecting and appreciating their students' varied perspectives and obstacles and incorporating a variety of approaches to accomplish this.

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I think that culture and culturally responsive pedagogy would be a great topic for PD with my staff. They have gotten on board with how they can help our ELs, but this may show them the "why". Once they have some more info about culture, I think it would motivate them to vary their instructional approaches even more.

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Beliefs
Differences
Impact
Expectations
Experiences
Reflect
Perspectives
Models
Connected
Participation
Culture matters for ELs teaching and learning because teachers must first connect with their students and reflect how their own teaching styles may impact others. He/She needs to feel valued and accepted. Once all are considered, learning may truly begin.

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Brandy’s Top 10 Words for Culturally Responsive to Pedagogy 

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Brandy’s Top 10 Words for Culturally Responsive to Pedagogy 

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Center of Learning
Values
Cultures
Backgrounds
Supports
Incorporate
Challenges
Expectations
Impact
Advocate
Culturally relevant pedagogy is having the students at the center of learning while being aware and an advocate of the ELs culture so that one can support, incorporate, and connect during the learning process.

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“Knowing is half the battle”…understanding different perspectives and incorporating cultural discussions will positively effect how we teach and student success.

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1. culture
2. impact
3. beliefs
4. mismatch
5. detrimental
6. relationships
7. explicit
8. context
9. communication
10. reflection

Culture matters for ELs' teaching and learning because teachers would not be aware of how their cultural beliefs and expectations impact their instruction unless they engage in reflection. Only then, would they be informed of appropriate supports their students need to progress in their language development.

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Stefanie's GIST for Culturally Responsive Teaching

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Stefanie's GIST for Culturally Responsive Teaching

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1. relevant
2. empowers
3. backgrounds
4. experiences
5. mindset
6. diverse
7. perspectives
8. challenges
9. supports
10. values

Culturally responsive teaching involves capitalizing on students' assets, creating a student-centered classroom, and challenging and supporting students' learning.

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My goal is to improve the ways in which I advocate for our students by sharing with colleagues how they can incorporate aspects of students' cultural backgrounds into instruction and encourage the posting of student-friendly objectives. I also want to encourage reflection of teachers' cultural beliefs and expectations and how that might impact our students' learning.

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As a teacher of ELLs, I have to be reminded of any biases that may interfere with culturally responsive teaching. To better understand different cultural lense, I need to "unpack" my nap sack of any biases that exist in the lessons I teach and ensure that they are responsive and demonstrate sensitivity and respect for all cultures. Understanding my own cultural biases, which I may subconsciously have, will help me to be more aware of how it impacts culturally responsive teaching practices. Danielle Singleton

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1. participation
2. discussion
3. impact
4. beliefs
5. education
6. communication
7. behavior
8. expectations
9. recognizing
10. differences

Summary statement:

Cutlure matters for ELs teaching and learning because in order to work together in a healthy learning environment students need to understand teacher expectations and teaching culture and teachers need to understand student learning culture.

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1. backgrounds
2. experiences
3. apply
4. understanding
5. meaningful
6. intellectually
7. socially
8. emotionally
9. diverse
10. perspectives

Culturally responsive pedagogy is important to use when teaching students of different background because it empowers them in different ways by uses their backgrounds and experiences.

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I think it is important to recognize the importance of collaboration, both with colleagues as well as with families of ELLs. Another big takeaway I had was in regard to the home language. Instruction that incorporates and builds on the home language will support them in developing literacy in English. This is something I share with classroom teachers and is always a good reminder.
-Jessica

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The overlapping guidelines for culturally responsive teaching help me to visualize my students needs as a whole. Reading the descriptions for each, encouraged me to reflect on my own teaching and the strategies I use in my class. I like the suggestion from the text to decide on a strategy for each guideline that you can try out. I plan to choose a new strategy to implement to improve my teaching.

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As teachers it is imperative to get to know our students, even more so when a student comes from a different culture. We must get to know their culture and be respectful while teaching them our culture and way of living. Culturally responsive classrooms will create a safe place where students know their background and experiences are welcome to be shared and valued.

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1. culture
2. impact
3. beliefs
4. communication
5. behaviors
6. expectations
7. reflect
8. differences
9. discussions
10. values

Culture matters for ELs teaching and learning because we have to be aware and recognize each other's beliefs and values so that we can work and learn together. We need to respect differences and build relationships in order for learning to occur.

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1. culturally
2. responsive
3. pedagogy
4. mindset
5. respects
6. assets based
7. diverse
8. student-centered
9. challenges
10. supports

Culturally responsive pedagogy is a way of teaching that respects and builds on students' background and experiences. It follows four guidelines; assets-based, student-centered, values culture, and challenges & supports.

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Gill-
Take the time to learn about your students- their cultures, their values, their interests, their behaviors and expectations their goals, and their name. Respect their culture- values, customs, behaviors, and beliefs and build off of it to work together at teaching and learning.

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identity
customs
beliefs
invisible
diverse
values
perspectives
differences
connected
impact
Culture is an integral part of every person (student, teacher).  An EL's differences should be celebrated and valued. Teachers are the bridge to creating an inclusive climate in their classrooms.

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respect
empathy
opportunities
student-centered learning
opportunities
collaboration
openness
flexibility
supports
achieve
A culturally responsive classroom is open and flexible and accepts all students. Respect and empathy is at the heart of an effective learning environment and teachers that include the cultures of their students model acceptance of others.

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My main take away is the importance of putting students at the center of learning.  Teachers need to make sure they are focusing on their students' needs as well as their lessons.  Having many newcomers this year, teachers are realizing that teaching content is taking a back seat for awhile. They are focusing more on forming relationships and connecting language to concepts in a meaningful way.  For me, I will be working to make sure I challenge and support my students through valuing my students' cultures, languages and backgrounds.

- Jan Earnshaw

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1. Background knowledge
2. Controversy avoidance
3. communication patterns
4. Shared experiences
5. Explicit directions
6. Compromise
7. Cultural expectations of authority
8. Teacher reflection
9. Open dialogue
10. Cultural norms
When I think about culture, I think about the personal expectations, experiences, and beliefs each person has. Additionally, each classroom has a culture, and when new students come we need to teach them about the culture of the classroom: respecting differences, learning from each other, and participating as much as possible. We often make assumptions based on our own experiences, but we need to think about what students need to learn about the culture of the classroom.

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Pam Hutson-There were quite a few take aways from this chapter. I like to think of of it as an adaptable mind set in which we look for opportunities to continue to learn and grow as educators. The more we learn about our students' backgrounds and cultures, the more we are able to meet their needs. Challenging the students while providing appropriate supports for individual students is essential for English langauge learners. Determining adequate supports while at the same time challenging the students is a delicate balance that requires ongoing clost monitoring and assessment of students.

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-Laura
beliefs
support
culture
discussions
values
recognize
communication
reflecting
collaborate
differences
Culture matters because teachers and students have different backgrounds, experiences, and culture.  A classroom is melting pot where everyone brings something different to the "table".  It is important to recognize, support, and celebrate these differences so that students feel comfortable and welcome and then learning can take place.

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-Laura
respect
empathy
value
background
student-centered
languages
culture
support
challenge
collaborate
Culturally responsive teaching is valuing the experiences, background, and culture that students bring with them to our classrooms. Then using this mindset to support and challenge them.

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-Laura
Respecting and valuing different languages, background and culture in our students is probably one of the reasons why we became ELL teachers.  I think as ESOL teachers we understand and embrace this idea.
I agree with Holly and Cara that this topic would make a great PD for staff in buildings.

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1. impact
2. culture
3. expectations
4. backgrounds
5. experiences
6. values
7. effects
8. beliefs
9. education
10. differences

Culture matters for ELs' teaching and learning because our values and beliefs as teachers have been shaped by our culture. Our students values and beliefs about education have been shaped by their culture. Therefore, we may have completely different views and beliefs about the expectations for education.

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1. expectations
2. impact
3. identity
4. connection
5. complex
6. dynamic
7. members
8. support
9. different
10. visible

Summary Statement:
Culture matters for EL's teaching and learning because the impact on a students education will be stronger when they feel connected, supported, and visible. Providing expectations while also supporting cultural identity develops stronger connections.

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1. collectivist
2. expectations
3. non-verbal communication
4. implicit
5. intellectual property
6. punctuality
7. engagement
8. welcome/unwelcome
9. high-context cultures
10. power distance

We need to examine how our own cultural biases affect our expectations of our students. And we need to dig deeper into our students' cultures, remembering, too, that not all students of one culture are the same. Once we have dialog, understanding can flourish, trust can build, and learning can begin.

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1. mindset
2. assets-based
3. support
4. challenge
5. student-centered
6. respect
7. empathy
8. home language (okay, that's two words, I know ;)
9. collaborate
10. advocate

Culturally responsive teaching is assets-based, student-centered, respectful and empathetic teaching that values students' backgrounds, languages, and experiences.

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beliefs
expectations
connections
differences
understanding
culture
culturally competent educator
reflection
experiences
impact

Summary statement:
Culture matters for EL's teaching and learning because the beliefs, experiences, and expectations of a student greatly impact English language learning. A culturally competent educator builds connections between students' cultures, languages, and life experiences with what they learn in school.

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To discover our own cultural biases, we need to examine our own beliefs about things which are often not easy to see, e.g., punctuality, discussion expectations, and power structures. Then we need to work with our ELs to discover their beliefs and how we can respect them while still showing them what may be expected here - tricky to do, but if you use empathy with your new-found knowledge, it's possible. Finally, let's help our classroom teachers explore their own deep-seated beliefs and how they affect their interactions with their ELs.

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respect
background
support
challenge
Student-centered learning
empathy
perspective
collaboration
advocate
assets-based

Culturally responsive teaching builds on students' strengths, diverse perspectives, and backgrounds. It simultaneously challenges and supports students, through collaboration with colleagues and advocacy.

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I did this bulletin board two years ago. The pride and excitement from our ESOL students reaffirmed the importance of cultural awareness. Students and teachers enjoyed learning the home countries of our ELs as well. I would like to do this again and highlight our fifteen 5th graders!

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-assets
-culture
-identity
-perspective
-student-centered
-multicultural
-encourage home language
-challenge & support
-collaborate
-Equity

A part of culturally responsive teaching is being open to learning about our students' cultures. That means challenging ourselves in order to support our students. We also need to encourage students to advocate for themselves and develop an environment where they feel comfortable enough to do so.

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I feel like a lot of these are ideas that our ESOL team utilizes daily in our own instruction. The bigger challenge is how to incorporate this in the school climate as a whole. Our students need to feel comfortable not only in our classroom but in content classes, in the hallway, in the cafeteria... How can schools develop this as a part of their culture?