Create a classroom environment that reflects the various cultures of your class. Decorate your classroom with visual images that highlight varied races and cultures. Additionally, modify your curriculum and instruction strategies to complement the culture that the child is exposed to at home. The books, games, music, and videos in your classroom should help the children learn about themselves and others. Implement social and academic techniques that will teach children about respecting and valuing diversity.
Demonstrate to students how they can recognize stereotypes and prejudices. Oftentimes, children tend to make fun of people based upon their gender, race, customs, intelligence or looks. This is all done without understanding the deeper level of hurt to another person's feelings. Show the class age appropriate videos on how to treat others. Give concrete examples in the form of skits and group discussions. Children should fully recognize right from wrong and inclusion versus exclusion.
Engage your students with activities that help them get in touch with their identity. Even children as young as 3 to 4 years of age have insecurities about their skin tone, socioeconomic status, and whether they will fit in with a group. This is the perfect opportunity for teachers to communicate with their students to determine how they view the world. Keep in mind that there are multiple influences that contribute to the development of children. Thus, academic programs can help shape the ideals of students by taking their background into account.
Get to know the families of your students. Encourage parents to be active participants in their children's academic programs. Stay in touch with parents to give updates on their child's progress as it pertains to grades and behaviors. Coordinate a time in the beginning of the school year to meet with parents and ask questions relating to their culture or traditions. Develop an understanding for the parent's child-rearing practices and family norms to structure classroom management.