Incorporate Multicultural Literature

Utilize multicultural literature in the classroom library that reflect the backgrounds, cultures and traditions of the students in the classroom. Allowing students to see stories that they resonate with as well as the opportunity to learn about different cultures and backgrounds from around the globe. Books such as "Fry Bread: A Native American Story" by Robert Sibert utilizes fry bread to illustrate themes of Native American culture and "The Name Jar" by Yangsook Choi illustrates celebrating our backgrounds and cultures.

Broaden Historical Lenses

Utilize multiple viewpoints when examining historical events rather than just one. By incorporating diverse points of view, students get a broaden understanding of history (Rosenburg, 2020).

Incorporate Geography

Geography is a great way to incorporate cultures from around the globe. Proving students with the opportunity to pick somewhere in the world and complete a project about where they chose allows students to learn more about different cultures, share that with the class and gain a deeper respect for those with diverse backgrounds.

Case Studies

Selecting culturally diverse historical events for students to complete a case study on helps students view things from multiple perspectives and opens opportunities for discussion. For example, the Gold Rush in California, examine it from the perspective of the Chinese immigrants who discrimination or from the perspective of Native Americans whose land was disputed and taken.

Establish Classroom Community Norms

In order to successfully incorporate culturally responsive teaching methods, it is necessary to first create a classroom environment of inclusivity and respect. Setting the expectation that students will actively listen to one another and respect each others perspectives is the foundation in which inclusive classrooms are built upon (Tavangar, 2017).

Flexible Seating Options

Providing students with seating options such as beanbags in the library area, fidgets or wobble chairs in the sensory corner and foam mats for floor seating during group activities. This helps meet the diverse learning needs of all students and helps students understand what is expected of them in different parts of the classroom (Brightwheel, 2025).

Utilize Inclusive Language

As educators we can model inclusive language by intentionally using words or phrases that respect the cultural backgrounds of all students. This helps foster a respectful and inclusive classroom environment.

Celebrate Diverse Holidays

As educators the incorporation of our student's cultural backgrounds into our classroom help foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Celebrating diverse holidays throughout the year shares cultures and traditions with the whole class and allows opportunities for students who celebrate to expand upon their own personal experiences.

Take a Vested Interest in Students

In order to properly incorporate culturally responsive teaching methods, educators must first get to know the students in their classroom on a deeper level. Gaining background information about students is the best way to ensure that their culture and backgrounds are reflected in teaching practices, lessons and literature.

Heritage Projects

During the first month of school, task students to create a poster in collaboration with their families that reflects their cultural background and traditions. Allow students the opportunity to present their poster to the class and hang it up somewhere in the room.

Student Choice in Learning

Provide opportunities for students to choose how to complete a project or assignment in the way they learn best. For example, giving a presentation, making a diorama, performing an act or making a video. This strategy helps students have agency over their learning and meets the diverse learning needs of all students.

Integrate Student Cultures

In order to make the curriculum more meaningful, educators can incorporate student's diverse cultures, languages and background into the lesson plan. This not only gives depth to the curriculum but gives students a sense of belonging when they see themselves reflected in what is being taught.

Community Based Learning Projects

Having students complete a community based learning project where they interview family members as well as members of the community on their heritage, cultural background and traditions. This is a great way for students to learn about different cultural upbringings as well as connect with the community they live in.

International Potluck Luncheon

Organize a luncheon where families make a dish from their culture and share with the other students and families. This is a great way for students to learn about different traditions and try new cuisines.

Workshop Night

Invite parents and members of the community to come and share their cultural background, upbringing and traditions with students. This broaden student's perspectives and helps them build connections within the community.

Field Trips

Educators can plan field trips to visit local small businesses, museums, art galleries or historical sites. Students will gain a deeper respect for other cultures.