What are 2 takeaways you could apply to your own teaching? by Cassandra Vasquez

2025-06-25 17:44:57 UTC

Having a diverse selection of books in my classroom library so my students can see themselves reflected (mirrors) in the books and so they can see other cultures (windows).
Giving students an opportunity to share about their background and culture.

2025-06-25 18:22:02 UTC

I would make sure every student in my classroom contributes to discussions and that they each have an equal voice in decisions and learning interests so that none of my students feel invisible.
I also like how this video explained that representation is important because it fosters an understanding of self and others. This is critical for students as they grow up and interact with peers that are different from themselves.

2025-06-25 23:12:44 UTC

"I want this character to be like me because I am smart and brilliant and awesome." That's the goal, for all students to feel this way about themselves.
Make sure your students are seen and represented in the books you choose, class discussions, and even in the decor on the walls.

knemetz5 — 2025-06-26 15:35:39 UTC

Mirrors and Windows - Text selection is so important that students can see themself in a text and also learn about others in texts

Students are reminded that everyone is unique and providing students many opportunities to talk and share about the qualities that make them, them!

irelandsh — 2025-06-26 18:32:16 UTC

-Making sure that all students are represented in what they see and what is taught. This not only makes them feel respected, but it can motivate them as well.

-I will always remember the "mirrors and windows" analogy. It is important for kids to see themselves, but it is equally important for them to learn about others who are different from them.

nicolemastrogiovan — 2025-06-26 21:55:15 UTC

This was an awesome video! 2 takeaways that I could apply to my own teaching are:

Not looking through a "deficit lens" and supporting other staff in thinking this way as well. That term really resonated with me and what I have seen in terms of negativity in the classroom. I always want to be an advocate for my kiddos.
Making sure both students and families do not feel invisible, especially if they feel different than others. I always want my students to feel seen both inside and outside of the classroom. We can do this through reading, visuals, and explicitly teaching what those differences may look like.

2025-06-26 22:13:38 UTC

-Ensuring that all students are represented in your classroom and that a variety of culturals are talked about with students!

-Diverse books, learning differetn languages, creating a safe apcae for ALL students to learn in

13melissacullen — 2025-06-26 22:46:01 UTC

Great presentation!

My two takeaways are:

-Ensure you have a diverse classroom library and that your classroom set up is welcoming for all students. Posters, words, and other classroom displays should reflect all students and their native languages.

-Give students, families, and the community the opportunity to come in and share their knowledge and voice. This can allow for students to make connections, feel included, learn more about each other, etc.

lmp5924 — 2025-06-27 21:45:28 UTC

My first takeaway was that I need to invest in more diverse texts. Not only do I need books and literature with culturally diverse backgrounds but my second takeaway is that I need to post more visuals in my classroom that students can look at and see themselves or someone they know that look like them.

Lauren

emilynshopf — 2025-06-28 15:30:20 UTC

Giving students access to diverse books so they can see themselves in what they read, as well as see a glimpse into other people's lives.
Allowing students to share about their experiences and discuss differences in a positive way.

2025-06-28 18:37:31 UTC

Treat students will passion and celebrate their uniqueness.

Find ways to incorporate their cultural backgrounds into everyday lessons.

Make sure culturally diverse materials/books are available for all students

Support families and their cultural differences in your classroom and in their homes.

Use student's background knowledge to engage students and expand their understanding

2025-06-29 20:16:49 UTC

Making sure that all students feel seen and heard in my room. I always try my best to be culturally competent and this presentation provided even more ways and strategies to use to help!
Continue to make connections and allow for students to share their cultural experiences and how they can relate or are different to those around them.

sedelman211 — 2025-07-04 17:43:41 UTC

One takeaway I have after watching the video is that my students need to have exposure to texts that both act as windows, seeing characters of cultures different from their own, and as mirrors, seeing characters that are reflective and representative of students in my class. Another takeaway is to have students reflect on the texts that they read and acknowledge when characters are like them or work to understand differences between the characters, peers in their class, and themselves. I want to spend more time having discussions like these to draw more attention to the diverse cultures in our classroom and our school.

2025-07-05 15:58:59 UTC

Takeaways:

I loved the idea of writing a story about a character. Let kids be the authors, allow them to represent themselves.

The other thing I thought about was how culturally responsive teaching is 2 birds with one stone, we are making kids feel seen but also. we are creating a more accepting world. Kids value and appreciate the differences of themselves and their peers.

2025-07-06 22:32:44 UTC

In my school, we talk about voice and choice. I think it's important that students are seen and valued, as well as seeing and valuing others and their differences. I think it is also important that students be represented within the classroom while building relationships and a classroom culture of respect.

cslepetz — 2025-07-07 03:30:29 UTC

Carl Slepetz

The text at 14 seconds of the video was a takeaway. We do need to see others and to respect and understand that they come from different backgrounds and experiences than others; the mirrors and windows - see others and your reflection related to them. We need to see these differences and relate them to ourselves and understand. Another takeaway is to represent the diversity of your room with books, posters and activities that represent the differences of others. With this, allow the students to share their differences with others, compare/contrast for understanding. Mans’ biggest fear is the unknown, through the fear of the unknown belief systems are born. These may not always be the correct beliefs are ones that are needed. Becoming familiar with others’ differences can alleviate these fears of the unknown.

meganhobar159 — 2025-07-08 17:36:28 UTC

One takeaway that I could apply to my own teaching is to make sure that I am selecting readings about students' cultures.

I also really loved the idea of learning some words in students native languages!