Many reading selections in elementary classrooms are tried-and-true favorites, but because they have been used for decades, they do not necessarily represent the more diverse population of the United States today. Search for new reading materials that celebrate and expose children to diverse cultures.
Bringing different traditions and issues into the classroom is a great way to make students aware of the larger world and more sensitive to the diverse individuals around them. Arrange to have newspapers delivered to the classroom once a week, and provide a half- hour of independent reading time. Discuss the issues with the students, and answer any questions they may have.
Celebrating or discussing holidays not typically acknowledged in your area also brings diversity into the classroom. Choose a few holidays throughout the year, and decorate the classroom accordingly. Discuss the holiday and its meaning with the students. If any students in your class celebrate the holiday, allow them to discuss their traditions with the class.
Different students learn most effectively with different styles. Some students need to see concepts explained visually, while others need to manipulate objects with their hands to fully understand. These differences may be due, at least in part, to effects of growing up in households of varying cultures. Do your best to vary your approach to teaching, using more than one style in every lesson, to reach the most students. For instance, if you are teaching a lesson on math, first explain the concept on the board using the traditional equation approach. Follow-up the lesson by providing students with blocks or objects that they can count or move to re-create the math problem in a hands-on way.
Because cultural norms and behaviors can vary greatly, allowing students to role-play will help them understand how a classmate might react to a particular situation. Although one student might withdraw if verbally attacked, another is likely to retaliate with equally harsh words. After setting up a scenario and allowing students to play it out, the teacher should then ask leading questions of the students involved and those observing. This promotes understanding between students, leading to a more peaceful classroom environment and less time devoted to classroom management.