Keep students connected. Hold exercises regularly that require students to interact closely with each other. Ask them to take partners during assignments and direct group discussions about various topics, so that students can learn about each other's opinions, feelings and beliefs. Require all students to speak individually in front of the entire group on a regular basis.
Hold peer mediation and counseling sessions. Allow students to sit in groups and discuss any issues with which they are grappling; encourage students to practice active listening and creative problem solving. When conflicts arise, have students openly work out their differences with each other, using a peer mediator, if necessary.
Celebrate all holidays and cultural or special events. For each nationality, race and religion in the class, have all students acknowledge the special occasion, holiday or cultural event and participate in customs that are different from their own and, in turn, share their customs. For example, the Japanese have the tradition of honoring girls on March 3, and they celebrate Children's Day on May 5. To commemorate these special occasions and to promote the health and happiness of children, the girls receive special dolls and the boys receive warrior dolls.
Switch seating. If you have assigned seats in your classroom, adjust the seating arrangement every few months, so that students get to know everyone --- not just the children they sit near. Even if seats are not assigned, periodically regroup students who habitually sit together.
Mediate. Take 10 minutes daily for students to sit quietly and get in tune with their inner core. Encourage students to observe their thoughts without passing judgment. Remind your students that mediation is more about noticing and accepting themselves as they are --- rather than making improvements. Explain that as children are able to be more accepting of themselves, they will be more accepting of others.
Require all students to keep a reflective journal. Instruct them to reflect on their own thoughts, feelings and observations about themselves and others. Think about how the experiences of an individual might affect the experiences of the whole. Assign writing topics such as the following: "How might my contribution to group discussion change if I'm in a good mood and if I'm in a bad mood?" "If I am unwilling to learn and participate in activities, how might that affect the learning experience of my peers?" Assign writing exercises that require students to reflect on the importance of being responsible for their own actions.
Teach students to take comfort in their similarities and to appreciate and learn from their differences. Hold activities where students will break into groups to discuss what they have in common with each other and what is unique about each individual. Showcase frequently each student's unique talents, abilities and ambitions.