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Having guest speakers with different experiences and perspectives on the topics that are being taught can open students mind to different way of thinking. Students can have encounters with individuals that they may not have outside of the classroom. This one interaction can grow to more where they, one day, become the expert speaking to students about topics in a school.

(Governors for School, n.d.)

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There are many different authors that write books. Finding those authors that write of different cultures and are from different cultures can do two things.

First it can help students open their minds up to learn and understand different cultures that they may have never come in contact with .

Second it can help inspire students that are from different cultures to write books about their traditions and beliefs to help shine a light on them. That could even be an assignment for a higher elementary grade. Have them write a book and illustrate some of their traditions.

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Students can create a visual map (an example template above) about who they are and things that make them unique. It is a great way to help build cultural awareness in the of their classmates. The students have the opportunity to be proud of who they are and where they come from. Teachers can then place the maps around the classroom.

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There are many historic events that have happened over time students can research and create a journal entry as if they are in that time period or going through those events.

Some example events include

The Underground Railroad

First Moon Landing

Pearl Harbor

The Civil Rights March

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Schools have started giving students holidays off for different religious and cultural holidays. A lot of the students (nor the parents) understand why they are getting the day off. Teachers can take the time during the week to help explain what the holiday is for. If there are students in the class that observe the holiday they can explain the importance to them.

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Due to state testing teachers have a very tight curriculum that must be followed to ensure that everything is taught before the test. It is still important for learning to be relevant to the students. During the lesson ask students how they are going to use this in their daily lives? Ask them why it is important to know this today? How can this information impact the community?

(Burnham, 2024)

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Provide open discussion times and schedule a time in the day. During this time students are able to discuss life. Let students share stories or even ask questions. Take this opportunity to share fun things that you have done or crazy stories as well to connect with your students.

(Wyatt - Ross, 2018)

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A cultural identity wall gives students the opportunity to celebrate their differences and feel proud of who they are. Students can bring pictures or other items to be displayed on the board. Monthly change the wall to allow for other students to display facts and items about their culture.

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Students in the classroom look at the labels to know where there are. Since American schools are a melting pot of many cultures and beliefs there is a likely that to have students that are ESL. Having the labels in the classroom in more than one language will make it easier for those students to identify and find what they need.

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When putting students in groups (for daily seating and for group projects) teachers need to be mindful of the placement of each student. Have students arranged in the classroom and work in groups of students that are from different cultures and have different beliefs. Varied groups can help build awareness of other cultures and encourages conversations about their lives and experiences.

(Haddon, n.d.)

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During this night families are able to talk with staff. They are able to discuss different technology and other resources that are available to them and their students. These resources include inside the school and out. If the school offers and ESL program this will be a great time to offer information about this program, which will help families with transitioning into the American culture.

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During this night teachers are able to sign up to decorate their vehicles for a trunk or treat. There will be tables placed around the area with games for children to play, refreshments, and music run by other teachers and staff of the school. Local business can come to hand out information about them and available resources (and of course treats as well). There can be local food trucks and vendors available for families to purchase food as well.

Raffles and a costume contest can be done too.

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Students are able to work with their families to not only celebrate their culture but also share their culture with others. Families can bring in or create flags from their heritage and wear clothes that represent them. At the end of the parade families can give demonstrations, like a dance, that is close to them and important to their heritage.

In the parade they can also highlight individuals that are influential to that culture as well.

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Coffee Connections is a weekly opportunity for parents to virtually connect with experts about different topics and discuss the resources available to them. This is a free resource to them.

Some topics examples of topics can include:

Safety for families

Understanding Autism

Bullying and your child

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The classroom environment should be welcoming to all students. There should be representation of different cultures all around. On the walls are there posters of individuals that the students can relate to. Find ways to get them involved and have them help decorate the classroom to make it theirs. Ensure there are positive affirmation quotes posted to keep students positive. Ensure that for books, music, and videos for the classroom there is representation as well.

(Educators Team at Understood, n.d.)

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As teachers we have the opportunity to shape many minds. Students are going to learn from us not just what we teach but our behaviors. Biases can sometimes be hard to recognize. Ensure to find articles, books, movies, and other media to help you overcome any biases you may have and to learn about other cultures.

It may help to make a list of your cultural assumptions and ask yourself if you still feel this way, why and how can I overcome these thoughts?

(American University, 2019)

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American University. (2019). Culturally responsive teaching: Strategies and tips. https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/culturally-responsive-teaching/

Burnham, K. (2024, July 1). Culturally responsive teaching: 5 strategies for educators. Northeastern University Graduate Programs.https://graduate.northeastern.edu/knowledge-hub/culturally-responsive-teaching-strategies/

Educators Team at Underwood. (n.d). How to use culturally responsive teaching in the classroom. Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-use-culturally-responsive-teaching-in-the-classroom

Governors for Schools. (n.d.). Speakers, guest, and visits: The importance of learning beyond the classroom. https://governorsforschools.org.uk/blogs/speakers-guests-and-visits-the-importance-of-learning-beyond-the-classroom/

Haddon, R. (n.d.). Diversity lesson plans elementary. Diversity Council. https://diversitycouncil.org/diversity-lesson-plans-elementary/

Wyatt – Ross, J. (2018). A classroom where everyone feels welcome. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/classroom-where-everyone-feels-welcome