Name lists give a first impression of cultural diversity in a classroom and first names can have historical, traditional, religious and cultural significance. Ask the seventh graders to find the history of their names and why their parents chose to give it to them. Charge the students with writing an essay about everything they deem important about their own name, and ask them to consider various factors, including ethnicity, family traditions or the individual student's like or dislike for their given name. Conclude the exercise with a discussion on how important a name can be for an individual, and if foreign sounding names lead to stereotyping with the result of prejudice.
Diversity includes the acceptance and understanding of disabilities and this exercise aims to give students to step into the shoes of a blind individual. Divide the students into pairs and ask them to pretend being blind for a few hours during the school day. Every pair will have one blindfolded member who is aided by his partner. After a few hours, the participants swap places and the helper will become blind. Alternatively, ask local hospitals and health institutions to lend you a few wheelchairs for a day or two and charge your students to perform their usual school day, including recess, on two wheels.
Challenge your students to look at themselves as an essential part of the diversity by arranging a talent show. The seventh graders have to pick a talent or ability they believe is specific to them. They must be prepared to show it in front of the class. Leave room for a wide variety of performances that can include sports achievements, story or poetry writing, speaking in foreign languages and the occasional magic trick. Spread the activities over several days to avoid tiring the students and conclude with a discussion on the term diversity. Explain that diversity is not only limited to describe different cultures, skin colors, disabilities and sexual orientation, but that individuals differ strongly from each other even in a seemingly homogeneous mainstream group.
Arrange for activities all year round by marking significant festivities in world religions on a wall calendar displayed in the classroom. Apart from Christian holidays, notable celebrations can include Hanukkah, Diwali, Ramadan or Vesak. Whenever a celebration draws near, ask the students to research and discuss the history of the festivity within its religion. Assignments can vary by festivity and might include writing essays, cooking dishes significant for the celebrations or inviting religious leaders within the community for a talk. By using diversity as a regular part of the lesson plan, students will be continuous reminded of the presence of cultures around them that differ from their own.