Being an ELL is like being the tall blade of grass in the way of a lawnmower because there is often no choice but to stick out amongst one’s peers and face an onslaught of metaphorical lawnmower blades when faced with the social pressures of conformity and compliance.

These looming social pressures need to be on the radar of educators and we need to arm ourselves with strategies to address maladaptive responses to these pressures as well as cultivate an environment that prioritizes empathy and inclusion with the striving towards the goal of a pluralistic, egalitarian society in mind.

So here are three ways you can help foster empathy and inclusion in your own classroom MUSIC EDUCATION EDITION.

1) Incorporate peoples’ history into music through folk music, oral traditions, and international musical genres.

-How does this foster empathy and inclusion? Peoples’ history focuses on the stories of populations that make up the masses, that is to say, working-class immigrant and nonimmigrant families. As a reflection of our society, these stories give representation and reinforce the reality in ELLs minds that being an immigrant is not only normal, but something to be proud of and contains a rich history.

2) Integrate the concept of solidarity into the music classroom through working class songs, poetry, music history lessons, and the idea of the ensemble as a collective.

-How does this foster empathy and inclusion? Solidarity is defined as “unity or agreement of felling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.” This concept undergirds basic social cohesion in a pluralistic society. ELLs face social forces and a current political climate that is at odds with the concept of solidarity. This concept must be taught and reinforced as a social imperative to achieving a learning environment that values empathy and inclusion.

3) Give ELLs social permission to be leaders in the classroom.

-How does this foster empathy and inclusion? It is easy to fall into the trap of viewing ELLs through the lens of their learning disparities in a foreign language environment; however, ELLs have strengths just like every other student and it is vital that educators are trained in strategies to identify these strengths and promote students to capitalize on them in order to be leaders in the classroom.

Bulldogs are know as a more quiet breed of dogs while beagles are very much not. This difference can also be seen in mannerisms as beagles tend to constantly track scents and announce when someone or something is outside while a bulldog may sometimes exhibit those mannerisms it is not always and a bulldog may be confused if they see a beagle doing these things. In the small experience I have working with ELL’s these students typically are very smart they just can not always keep up with every lesson that is being taught in English and may need to be told directions in multiple different ways or even be shown a picture or use a translator. While ELL’s are students just like the other kids and bulldogs and beagles are both dogs they are different and have different needs

To help foster empathy and inclusion in my classroom, I would begin by thoroughly explaining procedures and expectations in my classroom and repeating them as necessary in order to prevent ELL kids from feeling lost or left behind. By matching ELL kids with understanding, patient peers who can offer guidance would help promote empathy and inclusion. It would be like having a guide when you're lost. In order to make students feel comfortable, included, and supported while they learn, I would also create a friendly environment that respects other languages and cultures. For example, I would encourage students to share their background or use their cultural language when appropriate.

Although the true rainbow fish story is about friendship and sharing, it makes me think about how uncomfortable it is to be different. The Rainbow Fish ends up sharing its scales with everyone else but if i remember correctly in the story the fish has a moment of sadness about being different than everyone else and not embracing it.

How to foster inclusion and empathy in a history classroom:

1. Analyze Primary Narratives: Assign journals, letters, and oral histories from marginalized groups to ensure students engage with the lived emotional experiences of people often sidelined in traditional textbooks.

2. Facilitate "Perspective Taking" Debates: Structure discussions where students must research and argue from the viewpoint of different historical stakeholders, helping them understand the complex motivations behind conflicting human actions.

3. Connect History to Modernity: Lead "current events" tie-ins that show how historical systemic inequalities continue to affect classmates today.

How I Can Foster Empathy and Inclusion

1. Practice saying names that are unfamiliar. Names play a huge role in one's self identity, so it is important that all of my students feel that their names value. I will also ensure that I teach my students how to correctly pronounce unfamiliar names and teach them the value of correct pronunciation.

2. Allow my students to speak their native language. Just as ELL's are learning English, it is beneficial for others around them to familiarize themselves with the ELL's native language. This creates connection and allows the ELL to feel valued and safe.

3. Encourage polite questions when appropriate. Children are naturally curious, and it is beneficial for them to learn about other cultures. If the ELL student is open to it, I will allow my other students to ask appropriate questions. This will create connection between my students and allow the ELL to feel valued.

I loved the video and article this week, Dr. Orr! I will for sure refer back to these.

Ways to Foster Empathy:

• Involve a students hobbies in a lesson or activity. Sometimes a student may not feel comfortable doing something like this, so it depends on the student, but I think this gives the student the opportunity to become the leader of something without needing much formal language. If you know your student likes to play a certain sport, invite them to teach the sport to others. This helps them to become the expert in a topic and also promotes acquiring new vocabulary.

• Rather than trying to correct a student or make them feel as if using their first language in your classroom is wrong, be open and honest with them about the fact that they are indeed learning a new language. Giving them avenues to communicate in their first language as well as to ask you questions about their new language is a wonderful way to do this.

• Having a word of the day or a fun language fact can also make language acquisition a fun and classroom-wide activity regardless of fluency. A classroom full of second graders won't all know the meaning of the word "articulate", so teaching the new words to all of them rather than singling out one particular student may help the student in becoming comfortable in their new language.

Fostering empathy and inclusion:

1- ADOCATE for diversity and inclusion. This helps ELLs to feel represented and included, as well as help make sure non marginalized students feel more inclusive and diversity is celebrated.

2- PRONOUNCE names accurately and correct other students. Names are an important part of student's identity, and correct pronunciations make the students feel cared for and respected.

3- ENCOURAGE trying extracurricular activities the student may enjoy! Getting ELLs to have more interaction with something they like to do will likely increase their motivation to learn, as well as get them exposed to more students.

Promoting Empathy and Belonging:

1. Support diversity and inclusion. Continuously celebrate languages, cultures, and backgrounds in the class. When diversity is obvious and cared for, ELL students see and respect it.

2. Say names correctly and model respect. A name gives a sense of self and meaning. Making the goal to pronounce it properly and gently correcting others when need be.

3. Motivate participation in extracurricular activities. Encourage Ell Students to join sports, creative, and clubs, which can motivate them and practice language skills in a fun way.