Multicultural education in the classroom by Heather Gillilan

Create a diverse classroom library

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-27 15:34:12 UTC

Create a classroom library that includes picture books and short chapter books by diverse authors that include diverse characters. A diverse library will allow students to see themselves in stories, help create an inclusive classroom, bring understanding of other cultures, build respect, and help students to be more engaged in learning. Weave diverse books into the curriculum to build a greater understanding of other cultures and backgrounds.

Diverse guest speakers

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-27 15:51:06 UTC

Inviting diverse guest speakers will enrich students' learning experiences and promote inclusivity in the classroom. Students will learn about people from different cultures and backgrounds, expanding their knowledge and understanding, and connecting them to the real world. Educators can reach out to families to ask if anyone is willing to share their culture and traditions.

Class projects

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-27 16:46:40 UTC

Utilize class projects and assignments to allow students to share about their culture, traditions, and backgrounds. Learning from other students will create class unity, respect for others, broaden perspectives, and challenge students' thoughts and ideas.

Incorporate multicultural perspectives across all content areas

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-27 16:55:32 UTC

Educators can integrate multiculture throughout the curriculum by using diverse perspectives and resources, including books, music, and art.

Language/English: Use diverse authors from different cultures to encourage thought about people and ideas.

Social studies/History: Learn about history from multiple perspectives. Use picture books that show people of color, immigrants, and indigenous people. Celebrate women in history, including scientists, inventors, artists, and leaders.

Science: Study scientists from different cultures, including their contributions, discoveries, and inventions.

Art: Include artists from various cultures. Study the techniques and symbolism used by the artist.

Music: Learn about music and musicians from around the world. Learn about their traditions and backgrounds, the history surrounding the music, and learn about and play the instruments they used.

Multicultural books

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-27 17:22:43 UTC

Examples of multicultural books:

"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers

"God's Very Good Idea" by Trillia Newbell

“ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us” by Dorena Williamson

“Different Like Me” by Xochitl Dixon

Check your biases

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-27 18:24:58 UTC

Educators must be aware of their own biases. They should gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures and backgrounds. Learning does not happen once; educators must continuously be learning and educating themselves so they can better integrate culture into their curriculum.

Know your students

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-27 18:28:53 UTC

Educators should spend time getting to know the students and their families. Learning about students will show them they are special and important, will allow integration of their culture into the lessons, and will help students learn to be respectful and open to different perspectives.

Culturally relevant content

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-27 18:45:32 UTC

Curriculum should have content that is culturally relevant to the students. Use language and ideas that show their culture and backgrounds. Students will be more engaged and prepared to learn when the content is relevant to their own lives.

Language differences

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-28 15:27:10 UTC

Be aware of any students who speak a language other than English. Use visuals, labels, and add vocabulary words around the classroom. Utilize group work, oral presentations, visual projects, and journaling to allow students a variety of ways to participate and learn.

Classroom set up

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-28 15:34:20 UTC

Set up the classroom in a way that all students will feel welcome. Posters, books, bulletin boards, and students' work should include a variety of cultures. Use wall space or a bulletin board to display a map of the world. Arrange the desks to allow the students to collaborate or work in groups.

Communication

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-28 15:42:09 UTC

Communicate with students and their families. Be available to listen and help students as needed. Let parents know the best way to reach you and be timely in responding. Communication is key to creating a welcoming, inclusive classroom.

All are welcome

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-28 15:46:35 UTC

Create classroom rules and agreements with the expectation of being inclusive. Discuss how to include others, how to be respectful, and how to be kind. Model these behaviors to students daily.

Continue learning

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-28 16:09:09 UTC

Continue learning to help serve the changing demographics of the classroom. Staying informed will help meet new students where they are. Learning to foster a multicultural classroom environment will help all students feel seen and welcome.

Family nights

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-28 16:12:57 UTC

Invite parents to participate in a family culture night. Families could bring a dish to share, share a story or tradition, or even perform a dance.

Host a family craft night. Families can participate in creating a craft from another culture or country.

Listen to stories from around the world. Invite a family member to share a special book or traditional story.

Celebrate and embrace differences and enjoy learning together.

Family project

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-28 16:15:46 UTC

Assign a project for the students to work on together with their families. Students can learn about their culture, background, and traditions. Allow the students to present their projects orally and invite parents to attend.

Community-based projects

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-28 16:24:58 UTC

Community-based projects allow students to learn more about the people around them. Students could interview a community member to learn more about local traditions, or map out the community to learn more about landmarks, or participate in a service project. Being involved in the community helps students learn more about culture and traditions and helps expand their knowledge and understanding of others.

Parent workshops

hgillilan79 — 2025-06-28 16:38:32 UTC

Empower parents to be involved in their child's school, classroom, and assignments. Parent sessions could include homework strategies, supporting English learners, or navigating technology. Involving parents will help them support their child, increase learning, and support academic success. Building a strong partnership with parents is an essential part of creating a welcoming and successful classroom.