Multicultural education is a progressive approach for transforming education based on educational equality and social justice. During our Social Studies unit on culture, I sent out a parent notice way in advance letting them know of our culminating project. It’s the perfect complement to a world religions unit, lessons about cultural diversity, or any social studies class focused on global learning. Ultimately, we need to carefully consider the consequences of any actions taken in schools. Holidays and cultural celebrations are an important part of every society and culture. At other times a "culture night" may be celebrated, with teachers, parents or students sharing cultural artifacts or traditions in a variety of ways. This could be a perfect opportunity to add some learning with comparing and contrasting Venn diagrams. Specific holidays and traditions such as Dia de los Muertos or Kwanza are sometimes celebrated or discussed in schools as well. We would like to make this section as diverse and multicultural as possible so if you cannot find what you are after please get in touch and we will try and help you out. If some students are excluded from these celebrations, are those goals being accomplished? Every educator wants classroom and school celebrations to be just that, Business Management, Services & Risk Management. Through reading great classic and contemporary works of literature representative of a variety of periods, cultures, and worldviews, students can vicariously inhabit worlds and have experiences much different than their own.". Others include nonacademic activities such as food or movies. In terms of celebrations and holiday traditions, what purpose are they serving? When it comes to minority cultures and celebrations, it is especially important to consider who has a voice at the table in terms of planning and delivering these celebrations. In a day and age where the political climate has started shifting into a mindset of not accepting those who are different than us; something I thought would be on its way out in the year 2016, we as teachers have more of a responsibility than ever. Note: below you’ll find a small sampling of this year’s diversity events. Make it a THING; a THING that is important to your classroom culture, a THING that is a building block of your class, and a THING that students are excited about. Just like language, it is difficult to imagine a society without them. A multicultural event can be an effective way to bring diverse families together in an elementary school. For some families, the winter holiday times can bring anxiety, sadness and fear, as family dysfunction or loved ones who have passed are remembered. We've got the platform you need. – Becca's FNED Class Blog, reply to this comment to Are Teachers Suppressing Cultural Pride? Typically, major national holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's Day are discussed and celebrated, with affiliated presentations, parties, and at times art or writing projects affiliated with them. One can measure the diversity of a school by what type of centers it runs, the help it offers to students … I’ve written a parent letter for you to help prepare for this event. January 13, 2021. In 1993, the National Education Association (NEA) adopted Multicultural Diversity Day to “increase awareness of the tremendous need to celebrate our diversity collectively.” Since then, the third Monday in October has been designated to celebrate multicultural diversity in our schools. not all students have a loving relationship with their parents. Saugatuck. These are reflected in the curriculum, outreach to diverse groups and campus events. Our ambassadors share how their schools host cultural festivals and events, and how these events impact students and families. Your email address will not be published. Students with diverse backgrounds will feel so included if they see a character that is kind of like them! While the main purpose of schools might be considered as academic in nature, some celebrations take time away from this purpose. Another consideration is the amount of time being spent on holiday traditions and celebrations. Celebrations of other cultures are also sometimes a part of school celebrations and traditions. I usually include a section that reads: “We are excited to learn about each other’s families, cultures, holidays, and celebrations throughout the school year. Many, if not most, educators hold these celebrations as a welcomed break from academics, and as a way to introduce students from other countries and cultures to the cherished traditions and celebrations of the United States, and introduce students from the U.S. to other cultures, their traditions and celebrations. & Those students who are too apprehensive to do it on their own will probably be super excited about having a parent or relative come in and help them. If you know that a student may be feeling this way, get parents to help! Wednesday, November 15, 2017. No doubt students will need to learn how to interact in a diverse environment. There are tons of both fiction and non fiction story books that teach directly or indirectly differences in backgrounds. Given this emphasis on learning about and appreciating other cultures and perspectives, educators should carefully weigh the amount of time they are using for cultural celebrations and holiday traditions into their instruction. Or can the same goals be accomplished in other ways? I always took the reading as a way for me to reflect on what I could have done as a teacher in the same situation. Heritage & Cultural Events. Every educator wants classroom and school celebrations to be just that — celebratory. Or are the people doing the planning only from the majority culture or only people in power? About the Diversity Celebration. These questions are critical to take into account. Are there stereotypes that affect your thinking of a particular group or student? Guest Article by Amna from Teach Two Reach: Classrooms today are more diverse than ever. However, not all students that come from various diverse backgrounds feel included or accepted. She also works part time as an academic advisor for an online school and is working with students in K-5. Discrimination happens. There is nothing wrong with wanting to highlight them in schools. They shouldn’t have to deal with it though. They may be scared of embarrassment and being put on the spot. December: A Month of Multicultural Holiday Celebrations. However, just because that’s what we are taught doesn’t mean that everyone else is going to be just as accepting as the ones around us. Define multiculturalism. Two websites that I came across that help make international Pen pal connections are International Pen Friends and ePals. Cultural and holiday celebrations have been a part of the fabric in U.S. schools for decades. Whether this is the food, stories or dances. Are there stereotypes that affect […], […] https://educationtothecore.com/2016/04/ways-to-celebrate-diversity/ […], […] educationtothecore.com/2016/04/ways-to-celebrate-diversity/ … See MoreSee Less […], […] https://cdn.educationtothecore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Slide7.jpg […], […] or her students. January 13, 2021. The voices of the people who represent specific cultural traditions should be included in these discussions and planning, so we do not inadvertently misrepresent a cultural tradition or holiday. Please refer to event websites for updates and cancellations. At times, these celebrations and parties are conducted just before holiday breaks, as students are excited and potentially more focused on vacation than doing academic work. I think Cultural Day would be a great way to share about different culture and heritage. Most parents will welcome the fact that you took the time out to WANT to learn more about their child. I also know that educators might not always be aware of what Islam really teaches. Studies show that cultural appreciation and awareness contribute to building a positive self image. Cultural Day is probably one of the most engaging things I have done. Visit an exhibition or a museum dedicated to other cultures. The Census Bureau projects that by the year 2100, the U.S. minority population will become the majority with non-Hispanic whites making up only 40% of the U.S. population. […] When reading An Indian’s Father’s Plea by Robert Lake (Medicine Grizzlybear), it made me really upset to think how much this child had to suppress while being at school. Michigan History Day: This educational program offers a fascinating opportunity to move social science beyond rote learning.Students perform self-directed research on an individually chosen topic. In this day and age, with tons of misinformation present in the media, there are biases that can be so subtly ingrained in every day life that they can be hard to personally pinpoint. The world is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances celebrated by its various cultures and populations. Students had  to bring in a food dish representative of their heritage and also try to dress in clothing that represented their culture. Imagine how excited your class would be to see students through live streaming in another classroom across the globe! Invite parents as well, so that everyone can participate and learn from one another. […], Your email address will not be published. The Importance of Multicultural Education This academic paper by Geneva Gay makes the case for the critical role multicultural awareness and education plays in academic success and inclusivity. The text is editable! Sharing It's obvious from the regional displays that teachers take a … Erick Herrmann is an educational consultant specialized in teaching English learners, and he runs Academic Language Learning Institute, Inc.. Erick has worked with thousands of teachers across the nation to help them improve their instructional practice and increase academic achievement for all students. HERE is a LIST of 50 multicultural books you can look into today! The National Multicultural Festival. Your Industry Needs YOUR Expert Voice Increase the range of books in your classroom library that celebrate diversity and are by authors from different backgrounds. Correcting students in constructive ways, communicating positive expectations or celebrating students’ diversity are all great strategies that can be implemented in the classroom to enhance relationships. Give students the platform to share what makes them different. We are so shocked when kids say racist/prejudice things yet we don’t even take the time out of our days to educate them on different cultures than their own. Chances are your class includes students who observe more than one of those events. Do a craft activity that would encourage a child to focus on the different physical features of people … I’ll give you an example. While the above mentioned activities are great starting points to setting a strong solid foundation or a culturally responsive and accepting classroom, we as educators must go a step further to make sure this acceptance is inherent and ingrained in their classroom from the very beginning and that the lessons learned during the year are something that students can carry forward with them. reply to this comment to ScottEnumn" aria-label=', reply to this comment to Nina Bone" aria-label=', Are Teachers Suppressing Cultural Pride? She was a second grade teacher for 8 years and she took off this year to be home with her two little ones. She has a Masters Degree is Reading Curriculum and Instruction. – Becca's FNED Class Blog" aria-label=', reply to this comment to Labels Blog" aria-label=', Multicultural Literacy – 21st Century Education, https://educationtothecore.com/2016/04/ways-to-celebrate-diversity/, reply to this comment to Multicultural Literacy – 21st Century Education" aria-label=', 6 Ways To Celebrate Diversity In Classroom - MyKidzDay, reply to this comment to 6 Ways To Celebrate Diversity In Classroom - MyKidzDay" aria-label=', 6 Ways To Celebrate Diversity In Classroom | MyKidzDay, reply to this comment to 6 Ways To Celebrate Diversity In Classroom | MyKidzDay" aria-label=', 6 Ways to Celebrate Diversity in the Classroom – Culturally Responsive Teaching for ELLs, https://cdn.educationtothecore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Slide7.jpg, reply to this comment to 6 Ways to Celebrate Diversity in the Classroom – Culturally Responsive Teaching for ELLs" aria-label=', Focus on Yourself to Nurture Positive Relationships - Lorea Martinez, reply to this comment to Focus on Yourself to Nurture Positive Relationships - Lorea Martinez" aria-label='. They may feel like someone will make fun of them later or think that their culture is weird. Depending on how the cultural tradition or holiday is being celebrated, students may be having fun and practicing academic skills, through writing, reading or discussing the topic, for example. Senior: Jackson Public Schools is a district filled with wonderful opportunities for students at all ages, with a plethora of diversity spewing through the halls. To give credence to various beliefs, celebrations could occur throughout the year at the appropriate time. It is important that we also remember that a student's ethnic heritage is not necessarily directly tied to their cultural practices. Required fields are marked *. They also did a project- either a brochure or poster explaining one aspect of their culture – from clothing to music to sports, etc. Which cultures and traditions, then, are celebrated and discussed, and which aren't? I WANT people to approach me and ask me about my religion and to ask me their questions so that I can help eliminate any misinformation. This goes for Wind-Wolf as well, a kindergartener who was deemed as “slow to learn” because his native American background taught him to learn differently than the “average” white student. Guardian Beer School: Make a Firkin With Friends. However, others believe these celebrations potentially cause more harm than good, taking precious academic learning time from students or "tokenizing" other cultures, creating division and supremacist attitudes, and representing world cultures in simplistic or stereotypical ways. What can you do?Build trust with your students. Given these mixed feelings toward cultural and holiday celebrations and presentations, educators should take the following considerations into mind as they plan and celebrate the cultural and holiday traditions of the country and the populations they serve. While these celebrations and traditions are a part of the fabric of American society, they have the potential to exclude students for a variety of reasons. In this link that I found it gives teachers tips on how to introduce diversity to the classroom:  https://educationtothecore.com/2016/04/ways-to-celebrate-diversity/ […], […] sity and shuts out discrimination and biases. Use code: CORE to save 20% on your ENTIRE purchase! Multicultural education entered the spotlight in the early 1970s, following the civil rights movement's initiative for change in the education system. Erick Herrmann Maybe they celebrate St. Lucia Day. Some extreme cases make it on the local news, but for the most part, students just “deal,” with it. The New York Times’ project on immigration highlights the fact that, since the 1990s, Hispanic and Asian student enrollment in American schools has risen by more than five million, greatly impacting educational and social development at all levels of learning. Unfortunately, it is starting to happen more. Appalachian students, faculty, staff, K-12 schools, and members of the local community are all invited to join us in this celebration of cultures through art and entertainment. Academic Language Learning Institute, Inc. Today, I would like to share with you 6 ways educators can celebrate diversity in their classroom. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The CCSS state: "Students appreciate that the 21st-century classroom and workplace are settings in which people from often widely divergent cultures and who represent diverse experiences and perspectives must learn and work together. Having the students pick a country and learning about it and sharing with their classmates would be so much fun. But once they know you are there for them, it will help them tremendously. If you would like to volunteer to share a cultural holiday, meal, or celebration with us, please contact me via the signature information below.” Jean Snell, clinical professor of teacher education at the University of Maryland, believes cultural diversity enhances the school experience, too. Whether you are building a weekend getaway, immersing yourself in local culture or celebrating the seasons, you are certain to find the perfect event or festival right here in Pure Michigan. Take time out to talk to your students individually to learn about them. Classrooms today are more diverse than ever. I’m Muslim and no one is blind to how Islam and Muslims are being portrayed in the media. You can grab it below. Students who may be feeling discriminated against or feel left out need to know their teacher is there for them and will stand up for them. Is there a particular threshold for a number of students or community members when choosing which traditions or holidays to celebrate? Sometimes students can be too shy to speak up about what makes them different. Today, people come from a wide array of cultures including people from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa; whereas, earlier generations of … Teaching Grammar Using Interactive Notebooks. An inclusive school is seen by its core mission and values. In 2014, U.S. public schools hit a minority majority milestone with Latino, African-American, and Asian students having surpassed the number of white students. Get students to prepare an activity or presentation that helps others understand their culture or religion, and how it is similar and different than other students. We have a RESPONSIBILITY to celebrate diversity in our classroom and to make every single student feel accepted by their classroom community. Students may have family and ancestors from various parts of the world, and may have grown up in the United States, but are not necessarily ambassadors or representatives of the culture that their ancestors come from. These events can and should be a way to build awareness of others, sensitivity and responsiveness to other ways of thinking and doing things, and not a way to create divisiveness among students by creating a "my cultural celebrations are better than yours" environment. Tons of food and fun all day! All teachers should first and foremost reflect on how their own understanding about different cultures and religions is reflected in their classroom. When you have your students’ trust, you will see a different side to them you didn’t know existed! Events led by ambassadors Martin Hughes, ambassador from Scotland at Western Union Elementary. We may not always hear about the bullying and discrimination that students from different races and religions deal with on a daily basis, but it is there. September 22, 2020. We are taught to be proud of who we are and where we come from. The day of the feast of course is the best. In every culture around the world, humans engage in cultural and holiday traditions and celebrations. Amna Baig has been teaching for 9 years. Certain cultures and religious traditions, for example, do not celebrate holidays such as Halloween and Christmas, and some students may need to excuse themselves from the classroom during holiday parties and activities. In fact, the Common Core State Standards emphasize the ability to understand other's perspectives and cultures as a key college and career readiness skill for the 21st century. Michigan Modern: An Architectural Legacy. Teachers can create global and cultural awareness in their classroom, as they use the multicultural, diversity calendar to plan time-appropriate activities related to seasonal global celebrations. Knowledge of the following diversity holidays and celebrations can enhance your workplace diversity and inclusion efforts. Learning about difference. The Australian Capital Territory … Teachers and schools regularly engage in activities during and after school to celebrate the various cultures that are represented in the school, as well as national holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The same can be said of holidays and traditions that are commonly celebrated in the U.S. Are people who do not celebrate Christmas or Halloween, or another holiday or tradition, present and able to give their input, thoughts and opinions about the subject in a way that is recognized and heard? But we never want any students to pick up on any type of unintentional behavior that makes them feel like their teacher doesn’t understand them or allows other students to show discrimination. It is not an exhaustive list of celebrations and festivals and there are gaps which we will be looking to fill over time. Building the toolkit for paraprofessional success, Want to use videos to boost your sales? You can learn more about me here. Show your willingness to learn and understand their culture. You can find her on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. I’d also love for you to pop over and say hello on social media! To add some learning with comparing and contrasting Venn diagrams beyond the month of December students! Celebrations of other cultures are also sometimes a part of the fabric in U.S. schools for decades across the!! That comes from stu… an inclusive school is seen by its Core and... 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