My Plan for a Culturally Diverse Classroom
All children are entitled to the same quality education regardless of sex, race, religion, cultural or social background, and abilities. An equal education for all children is not only required by law but also morally as well. Not only is providing all children an equal education very important but also the environment in which it is provided is as well. In order for all children to reach their highest educational potential, to feel welcome and accepted and to gain the self- confidence and skills needed to be successful in life they must be educated in a bias free, accepting, and caring classroom. This is monumental to their education and lifelong success. Without this children that may be different in any way from what is considered the norm will feel shy, and awkward. They will participate less in classroom activities and discussions which will negatively affect their grades. They will have low self-esteem and will carry with them a feeling that they do not belong. In my classroom I will create a bias free, accepting and caring environment. I will do this by having multi-cultural day. As a class we will learn about all the similarities and differences between cultures, the food, dress, music, religion, and holidays. I will invite students and parents to share stories about their cultures and lives. Throughout the year we will discuss and celebrate not only the major Christian holidays but also holidays from other cultures. With a least five different ethnic and religious groups in my classroom there may be a language barrier to consider. I will use visual-aids, hands-on activities, and small work groups to present information. This I think will help students that are struggling to gain a firmer grasp of concepts and strengthen friendships and bonds between student’s that are or could be working together. A major part of creating a non-bias, accepting, and caring classroom environment is the physical appearance of the...
