Multicultural Literature

• Incorporate books by authors from diverse backgrounds that reflect students’ identities and introduce them to different cultures (Hammond, 2015).

• Example: The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (Asian culture), Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan (Latinx culture).

• Application: Use literature circles where students analyze themes of identity, immigration, and resilience.

Example: Consider the following examples: Thanksgiving from the Native American point of view, the Civil Rights Movement as seen through the eyes of Black activists, and the independence movements in Latin America (Gay, 2018).

Application: Use this activity to spark class debates or presentations by giving students contrasting viewpoints on a historical event.

Example: For instance, the impact of climate change on Africa in comparison to the United States, or the economic policies of Japan in comparison to Latin America.

Application: Incorporate cultural perspectives into the research process by having students work in small groups to present case studies.

Example: Dr. Anandibai Joshi was the first female doctor in India, and Katherine Johnson was an African-American mathematician who worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Banks et al., 2019).

Application: Have students research the influence of scientists and then creatively present their results using various mediums (posters, digital slides, etc.).

Example: As an illustration, "When I say 'Class,' you say 'Yes!'" to maintain student engagement.

Application: Incorporate call-and-response methods into class debates and lessons to increase participation.

Example: Include Indigenous land management methods into scientific curricula or teach fractions using traditional recipes.

Application: Ask your students to share stories about how their cultural traditions are reflected in math, science, or history.

Example: Rather than writing an essay, students can make a multimedia presentation, record a spoken-word performance, or narrate a narrative.

Application: To accommodate diverse learning styles, give students multiple options for demonstrating their knowledge.

Example: Organize a "culture share" day in which kids showcase significant traditions, languages, or customs relevant to them.

Application: Weekly rotate student presenters to discuss aspects of their culture, integrating this into classes where feasible.

Example: Display flags, cultural quotations, and artwork from many traditions.

Application: Establish a bulletin board for students to contribute components from their cultural background.

Example: Utilize expressions such as “We honor all cultures” and promote the adoption of students’ chosen names and pronouns.

Application: Initiate the academic year by collaboratively establishing a class agreement centered on respect, empathy, and inclusiveness.

Example: Recognize Lunar New Year, Diwali, Black History Month, or Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Application: Instruct students to investigate and present the importance of a cultural celebration they observe or find intriguing.

Example: Morning assemblies in which students contemplate their backgrounds and experiences inside a secure environment.

Application: Utilize prompts such as “What is a significant tradition in your family?” and facilitate small-group discussions among students.

Example: Illustrations of familial lineage, culturally inspired artistic endeavors, or narrative recounting by relatives.

Application: Initiate a "Heritage Month" project in which students present photographs, music, or narratives representative of their cultural backgrounds.

Example: A regional historian examining Indigenous history or a parent disseminating indigenous music.

Application: Arrange for guest speakers to present during pertinent lessons to offer direct cultural perspectives.

Example: Potluck gathering in which families present dishes representative of their cultures.

Application: Instruct students to compose an essay on the cultural importance of their meal and present it in class.

For example, you can explore a nearby cultural history museum or participate in a neighborhood festival.

Implement reflection journals for students to document their learning and its connection to classroom instruction.

Gay, G. (2018). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice (3rd ed.). Teachers College Press.

Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). Toward a theory of culturally relevant pedagogy. American Educational Research Journal, 32(3), 465–491.

Hammond, Z. (2015). Culturally responsive teaching and the brain: Promoting authentic engagement and rigor among culturally and linguistically diverse students. Corwin Press.

Howard, T. C. (2010). Why race and culture matter in schools: Closing the achievement gap in America’s classrooms. Teachers College Press.