I use multicultural literature, such as "Family Pictures" by Carmen Lomas Garza, to explore the differences and similarities between cultures. I also like to read "What if We Were All the Same" by C.M. Harris to remind the students that we are not all the same, but that's what makes us special. Literature is a great way to initiate and foster meaningful conversations. The last book I would also read is "I am Helen Keller" by Brad Meltzer. This book reminds us that there is always a way to overcome, no matter the circumstance. Lessons in this book are designed for students and educators. It's a great reminder of the importance of educators. These stories foster empathy, allowing students to see themselves and others reflected in the texts we read.

There are multiple strategies to use when it comes to Science. There is an Adopt a Cow program offered through the Dairy Alliance. This free program allows a class to walk through the life of a calf as it grows through pictures. Updates are sent monthly to help students observe the wonderful cycle of life. Another fantastic way to provide a visual representation of life, with a more hands-on experience, is to grow a garden outside your school. This allows them to see and not just read about it.

In Social Studies, integrating case studies such as the Harlem Renaissance, the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples, or the Civil Rights Movement across different countries—not just the U.S.—highlights global struggles for justice and identity. "Refuge" by Alan Gratz is a compelling read that presents multiple perspectives on the harm caused by war. Acting out historical plots also allows them to see that history is real and not just a storybook.

Math is closely related to Science, so many hands-on activities with manipulatives are important, especially in the lower grades. "It is essential to recognize that the integration of subject-specific courses is most effectively accomplished by building upon the existing curriculum and harnessing the expertise of the teaching team" (Xu et.al., 2024)

Culture Integration: Invite students to share aspects of their home life—like traditions, languages, and family stories—through projects, oral presentations, or “culture circles.” This not only validates their identity but also builds a classroom community of respect and curiosity. Allow them to choose topics, texts, or perspectives that connect with their background. For English learners, provide bilingual resources, use visual aids, sentence frames, and encourage peer support.

Inclusion: Rotate group structures to provide social and academic support that aligns with students’ comfort levels and strengths. Mix lectures, hands-on learning, storytelling, multimedia, and cooperative learning. For example, visual learners might illustrate a concept while kinesthetic learners act it out. Break complex tasks into manageable steps and use models, anchor charts, and guided practice. This supports learners at different readiness levels.

Diferentiating: When teaching history or literature, I actively include multiple perspectives. For example, when discussing colonization, I include Indigenous narratives and primary sources from colonized peoples, not just the colonizers’ viewpoint. "Assignments such as students serving as discussion facilitators, making group presentations, and writing critical response papers build their awareness of the agency of historians in producing historical narratives while placing them in the position of interpreters of the past." (Burgos, 2009)

Relationship and Trust: Regularly communicate with families using translation tools or bilingual materials and invite them to share input or participate in class events. Greet students in their home languages when possible and use culturally relevant examples in lessons.

Create the atmosphere: Decorate the room with world maps, student-created culture posters, and visuals that represent a diverse range of racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. I also rotate displays to highlight cultural holidays or heritage months. Your classroom can offer options for quiet work, group collaboration, and individual study, honoring different learning preferences, communication styles, and comfort levels. Building a diverse classroom library that includes books with protagonists from other cultures, in multiple languages, and written by authors from underrepresented backgrounds will allow a multicultural feel.

Let each student be seen: Make it a point to learn how to correctly pronounce every student’s name and encourage students to share the meaning or cultural significance behind their names. Use and model affirming, respectful language, such as “family traditions” instead of assuming terms like “mom and dad,” or “home language” instead of “non-English.” Our world is changing, and what we consider the norm is no longer. This allows neutral language without having to accept or deny an identity.

Let them be a part of the setup: In the first week, have students help create classroom agreements based on values such as respect, empathy, and responsibility. This promotes shared ownership and mutual understanding. Implement restorative circles to resolve conflict and deepen relationships. This approach emphasizes listening, repairing harm, and respecting different perspectives. Social lessons are just as important as learning the material.

Celebrate them: Celebrate cultural diversity through “Culture Days,” where students share stories, food, music, or traditions from their cultural backgrounds. These celebrations are optional and respectful of students' comfort levels. Use activities like identity maps, “Who Am I?” poetry, and heritage interviews to help students explore and share their backgrounds, while learning about others.

Community-Based: Here are some projects to encourage community connection. Encourage students to interview a family or community member about a tradition, migration story, or significant cultural event. They present their findings through a digital story, collage, or written piece that celebrates heritage. Students can explore their neighborhood to document local businesses, places of worship, or murals that reflect the cultures in their community. They then create a class “Community Culture Map.” Partner up with local cultural centers or nonprofits on projects such as creating bilingual flyers or volunteering at community events.

Cultural Celebrations: Invite families to share food, music, clothing, or dances from their culture. Students and families can set up booths or stations for others to explore and learn. This becomes a powerful moment of pride and learning. Parents or grandparents are invited to read a story in their home language or share a folktale. This validates home literacy and promotes language diversity. Within these stories, we find that we aren't too different.

Caregiver Workshops: Host workshops in multiple languages to explain classroom practices, homework expectations, or digital tools. Use interpreters or peer parent mentors to ensure accessibility. Many immigrant families benefit from sessions that explain the school system, grading, special education, and how to support learning at home. Create space for families to share insights on respectful ways to engage with their culture. This helps staff and other families understand customs, values, and communication styles of the local community.

Communication lines: Utilize platforms like ClassDojo, TalkingPoints, or Remind to send translated updates and celebrate student achievements in real-time. Invite families to volunteer during lessons that align with their background or expertise.