Use small groups for in-class projects that combine students with diverse backgrounds and cultures. Mix up the groups on a regular schedule so that every student has an opportunity to work with every other student. Allow students to share information about their culture, language and family traditions by working it into the classroom schedule. For example, at the beginning of the year have each student provide his name and two or three pieces of personal information to the class. Appoint one Friday each month as multicultural day and invite several students to share more in-depth information about their culture.
Provide communication to parents in their home language whenever possible. If the parents don’t communicate well in English, ask the school to provide a translator for parent-teacher conferences. If a student has difficulty understanding the information in English, provide her with important student communications such as class rules, student handbooks and disciplinary documents in her home language. Teach all students common greeting phrases for the cultures represented in the classroom.
Allow students to share their holiday practices with the class. In December, for example, share traditions for Christmas, the winter solstice, Kwanzaa, Hanukah and Ashura. Ask students and family members to share information about these holiday practices.
Recruit culturally diverse speakers to talk to your class or school. For example, a second generation Japanese American could speak about how members of her family were treated during World War II or a Native American family member could speak to native cultural activities and foods. Convene a diverse panel to brainstorm ideas for creating multicultural school events or community involvement.
Recognize and allow for differences in how each culture expresses respect and relates to others. For example, some cultures in East Asia and Niger do not look those in authority in the eyes. Allow for these differences and do not require students to conform to American traditions. Explain to parents that you respect their right to determine how students show respect or obey family and religious traditions such as praying at certain times or eating according to a specific diet.