Historical perspectives - When reading historical accounts and learning about significant individuals, it is important to address some key topics. Teachers can prompt students to ask critical thinking questions such as, "How does this narrator's perspective impact the message of this story," or, "Whose view or perspective is missing from this narrative that should be considered?"

Another strategy relevant to history is the incorporation of diverse narratives. For example, when learning about the Revolutionary War, the students should be exposed to not only a textbook recount of the battle. Instead, they could read about the war from American and British soldiers' perspectives, or perhaps a soldier and slave's point of view. This provides a memorable lesson about bias.

Math topics - It is also an option to teach about diversity within the realm of mathematics. When it comes to word problems, these should include scenarios that go beyond the realm of typical American culture. Even a subtle exposure to scenarios that relate to other cultures can help establish a culture of empathy and understanding.

• Writing: Prompt students to share their personal experiences that they feel shaped who they are. Ask questions about family culture and the values their parents instill.

• Collages: Give students the opportunity to visually represent their cultural background. Use textiles, pictures, and other creative media.

Adapting Teaching Styles - Because students have diverse needs, teachers should get to know their students to assess what additional support they may need to succeed. This should involve both written and observational assessment.

For students who are learning English, teachers can incorporate multilingual content to support these students' learning, confidence, and feelings of inclusion. In addition, the entire class will benefit from exposure to new languages.

• Model: Teachers should always model respectful behavior towards their students, themselves, and any others who may be in the classroom.

• Teach: The standards for respectful behavior should also be clearly verbalized and available on display for students to refer to.

  
  

The Impact of Language - Positive language can have a major effect on the culture within a classroom. Addressing new ideas or perspectives with curiosity, open-mindedness, and acceptance sets students up to apply this mindset in all areas of their life. When students use negative, fixed language this should be gently corrected with growth language.

Celebrating Culture - When students share their experiences and aspects of their culture, their peers should be expected to react encouragingly in a way that celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. When it comes to asking questions and curiosity about unfamiliar ideas, classroom standards should be set.

If students use phrases like, "that's weird," or, "I would never do that," it can shut down their peers' desire to share. Educators should teach how to respond positively by saying things such as, "That's interesting," "I've never heard of that before," or "Can you tell more about that?"

• Towards the beginning of the school year, students may need support and time for getting to know each other. They can complete low-pressure projects with their peers to build comradery and meet new people who they may not have interacted with otherwise.

• While classroom culture is important, so is building a stronger community that extends beyond the classroom's walls. Projects that encourage students to get involved with their neighborhood community, peers from other classrooms, or even their extended family can instill a sense of belonging while encouraging productive actions such as service and research.

Cultural Events - Children are likely to become more engaged when allowed to learn about important topics in ways that are relevant to them. Hosting events for both parents and students to participate in can involve the sharing of culture and tradition. This practice can inspire students by showing them families that have similar cultures while also cultivating a deeper understanding of the beauty of diversity. A simple example of this is asking students to work with their parents to create a trifold poster that tells all about a favorite family tradition. The students can present this in class, taking questions and having conversations with their peers.