·         Books such as:

·         “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros

·         “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe

·         “Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad” by Ellen Levine

Adding literature is a great way for educators to open the eyes of students, encourage them to think about what they just read, and how it relates to what they know or the people around them.

·         The Civil Rights Movement

·         Immigration Narratives

·         Indigenous Peoples history and perspectives (ex. the Trail of Tears)

can spark critical thinking and opinions, allows children to gain insight into the world around them and how it developed, and develop empathy towards others.

Educators can utilize case studies by assigning research projects on global issues. This encourages students to research and understand why things are happening, the different perspectives, and what affects it has on different cultures around the world.

Teaching the different viewpoints of history respects the diverse backgrounds of the students within the class and can help make the history more relatable to them.

For example, when teaching about the American Civil War, educators could include how it affected African Americans, women, the soldiers, or even the Native Americans.

Creating an assignment where each student, or group of students, is required to research a different group affected would not only show them how many cultures were truly affected, but would also teach them about how and encourage them to dive deeper into who truly was affected.

Incorporating diverse cultural backgrounds into art means more than incorporating images or stereotypical ideals, it means showcasing "authentic representations that respect the histories and significance behind each art form" (Cross, 2025). It means teaching the significance behind each art piece.

Encouraging students to pick some form of cultural art (African masks, Egyptian hieroglyphics, sculptures, architecture, etc.) and then having them research the importance, and even encouraging them to create a replica. This can help students appreciate the differences in art and the reasons behind it within the cultures.

Using projects, observations, and even self-assessments can give educators a more equitable assessment of students of different backgrounds and abilities.

Educators could include activities throughout the day that are "getting to know you" activities. Celebrating important cultural events throughout the year, encouraging student to research different aspects of different cultures. Collaborative work between peers allows for diverse thoughts to be share and for each student to work together with open minds.

Involving students and their families in their education "offers numerous benefits, enhancing students' academic success and well-being" (Ashrafova, 2024). Engaging families allows for more authentic experiences that can be incorporated, it also allows the families to feel as part of the community, allows for regular communication and involvement.

By encouraging students to share about their cultures, choosing diverse teaching materials, reading culturally diverse books, integrating current world issues, and learning about each student educators can create an environment that is inclusive and equitable.

·         Including children who celebrate Hanukkah instead of Christmas

·         Chinese New Year

·         Multicultural day- where students bring something that represents their culture

Each of these ideas creates a sense of community, a sense of respect for individuality and inclusion.

Creating this list with the students allows them to add in what they feel is important to them as well creating that sense of inclusivity.

·         The first and most important way that an educator can show respect to a student is by making sure they learn how to properly pronounce their name.

·         Being mindful of terms that are used to describe different cultures and groups to not offend anyone.

·         Avoiding stereotypes

·         Using gender-neutral language allows educators to make sure they are not excluding anyone as an individual

·         By showcasing artwork, maps, or other education posters around the classroom, an educator can display different cultures and languages that may relate to classmates.

·         Including books and other materials into the curriculum creates a sense of inclusion in the education they are receiving.

·         Arranging desks in a circle or small groups allows for collaboration of different students.

·         Ensuring there are accessible materials around the classroom for students with different abilities (physical, sensory, or learning needs). This allows easy access to an equitable education.

·         Multilingual signs also help students feel connected and bridge the language barrier.

·         Navigating the educational system

·         Local resources available

·         Bilingual development tools

·         How to support your child

·         Understanding diverse backgrounds

Creating the opportunity for families to come together, discuss, and learn is a great way to enhance understanding, build trust, and promote inclusivity.

Celebrating special cultural holidays not only educates the community on holidays that affect their members, but it also shows students and their families that they are important, respected, and equal to everyone else.

Some other ways families and communities could be involved in cultural events could be:

·         Cultural fairs

·         Multicultural (or international) night

·         Cultural holidays

·         Cultural/heritage showcases

Opening these events up to the community brings everyone together and shows that each person is as important as the next.

If a local community has diverse cultural organizations they could work with students to learn more about their traditions, attire, and history. This not only connects the students with the community on a deeper level, but allows all students to learn through different perspectives.

Pairing a student with a person of similar belief, language, or background allows the student to bond with someone who may have similar experiences. It also allows them to see the success, and pride in what they can accomplish.

Cross, D. (2025, September 25). Culturally Responsive Teaching in the Art Room. Cornford and Cross. https://cornfordandcross.com/art-education-methods/cultural-diversity-art-ed/

Howe, W. A., & Lisi, P. L. (2024). Becoming a multicultural educator: developing awareness, gaining skills, and taking action (4^th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Regional Educational Laboratory Pacific. (n.d.). Culturally responsive assessment: Goals, challenges, and implications. Institute of Education Sciences. https://ies.ed.gov/rel-pacific/2025/01/infographic-30#:~:text=To%20create%20equitable%20classrooms%2C%20teachers%20and%20schools%20must,as%20part%20of%20a%20balanced%20system%20of%20assessments.