Learn how your comment data is processed. We've got the platform you need. Sharing Are the people planning a culture night, for example, representatives from the cultures being celebrated? The day of the feast of course is the best. Sometimes students can be too shy to speak up about what makes them different. The leading source for targeted, industry specific news briefs. To be sure, there were exceptions, but for the most part, diversity was not at the top of the list of priorities back then. She has a Masters Degree is Reading Curriculum and Instruction. Every student wants to have fun in school, and cultural events, holidays and celebrations are one way we can celebrate the diversity in our schools and in our world. I always took the reading as a way for me to reflect on what I could have done as a teacher in the same situation. – Becca's FNED Class Blog" aria-label=', reply to this comment to Labels Blog" aria-label=', Multicultural Literacy – 21st Century Education, https://educationtothecore.com/2016/04/ways-to-celebrate-diversity/, reply to this comment to Multicultural Literacy – 21st Century Education" aria-label=', 6 Ways To Celebrate Diversity In Classroom - MyKidzDay, reply to this comment to 6 Ways To Celebrate Diversity In Classroom - MyKidzDay" aria-label=', 6 Ways To Celebrate Diversity In Classroom | MyKidzDay, reply to this comment to 6 Ways To Celebrate Diversity In Classroom | MyKidzDay" aria-label=', 6 Ways to Celebrate Diversity in the Classroom – Culturally Responsive Teaching for ELLs, https://cdn.educationtothecore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Slide7.jpg, reply to this comment to 6 Ways to Celebrate Diversity in the Classroom – Culturally Responsive Teaching for ELLs" aria-label=', Focus on Yourself to Nurture Positive Relationships - Lorea Martinez, reply to this comment to Focus on Yourself to Nurture Positive Relationships - Lorea Martinez" aria-label='. Every educator wants classroom and school celebrations to be just that, Business Management, Services & Risk Management. How about international Pen pals? The CCSS state: "Students appreciate that the 21st-century classroom and workplace are settings in which people from often widely divergent cultures and who represent diverse experiences and perspectives must learn and work together. If I were to be in that same teacher’s situation I would have taken the time to introduce Wind-Wolf to the class and even give him a chance to teach the rest of the class aspects of his culture. While these celebrations and traditions are a part of the fabric of American society, they have the potential to exclude students for a variety of reasons. About the Diversity Celebration. If teachers approach parents of students with the intention of wanting to help the child and learn, it could create a world of a difference in the classroom environment. Depending on the school, the particular holidays or celebrations chosen may represent the cultures of the student population represented in the school. While the above mentioned activities are great starting points to setting a strong solid foundation or a culturally responsive and accepting classroom, we as educators must go a step further to make sure this acceptance is inherent and ingrained in their classroom from the very beginning and that the lessons learned during the year are something that students can carry forward with them. Australian Capital Territory. However, we should be thoughtful about how we approach the subject, and create inclusive dialogue about how, when and why we celebrate each other. These are reflected in the curriculum, outreach to diverse groups and campus events. Visit an exhibition or a museum dedicated to other cultures. But we never want any students to pick up on any type of unintentional behavior that makes them feel like their teacher doesn’t understand them or allows other students to show discrimination. Is there a particular threshold for a number of students or community members when choosing which traditions or holidays to celebrate? The implementation of multicultural education in American schools is ongoing and changing. Through reading great classic and contemporary works of literature representative of a variety of periods, cultures, and worldviews, students can vicariously inhabit worlds and have experiences much different than their own.". Two websites that I came across that help make international Pen pal connections are International Pen Friends and ePals. Your Industry Needs YOUR Expert Voice Chances are your class includes students who observe more than one of those events. Ultimately, we need to carefully consider the consequences of any actions taken in schools. At other times a "culture night" may be celebrated, with teachers, parents or students sharing cultural artifacts or traditions in a variety of ways. Invite parents as well, so that everyone can participate and learn from one another. Michigan History Day: This educational program offers a fascinating opportunity to move social science beyond rote learning.Students perform self-directed research on an individually chosen topic. Note: below you’ll find a small sampling of this year’s diversity events. Which cultures and traditions, then, are celebrated and discussed, and which aren't? Today, I would like to share with you 6 ways educators can celebrate diversity in their classroom. Certain cultures and religious traditions, for example, do not celebrate holidays such as Halloween and Christmas, and some students may need to excuse themselves from the classroom during holiday parties and activities. Or can the same goals be accomplished in other ways? Is the pandemic to blame for lower college enrollments? If you know that a student may be feeling this way, get parents to help! School & District Management Why School Board Diversity Matters Most school boards don’t look the students they serve, but new research suggests that must change. The same can be said of holidays and traditions that are commonly celebrated in the U.S. Are people who do not celebrate Christmas or Halloween, or another holiday or tradition, present and able to give their input, thoughts and opinions about the subject in a way that is recognized and heard? If some students are excluded from these celebrations, are those goals being accomplished? Our ambassadors share how their schools host cultural festivals and events, and how these events impact students and families. However, just because that’s what we are taught doesn’t mean that everyone else is going to be just as accepting as the ones around us. We may not always hear about the bullying and discrimination that students from different races and religions deal with on a daily basis, but it is there. To give credence to various beliefs, celebrations could occur throughout the year at the appropriate time. Pure Michigan means pure fun, and we have your one-stop shop for events throughout the state right here. However, not all students that come from various diverse backgrounds feel included or accepted. Michigan Modern: An Architectural Legacy. Saugatuck. Some extreme cases make it on the local news, but for the most part, students just “deal,” with it. We have a RESPONSIBILITY to celebrate diversity in our classroom and to make every single student feel accepted by their classroom community. In every culture around the world, humans engage in cultural and holiday traditions and celebrations. Those students who are too apprehensive to do it on their own will probably be super excited about having a parent or relative come in and help them. They may be scared of embarrassment and being put on the spot. An inclusive school is seen by its core mission and values. I think Cultural Day would be a great way to share about different culture and heritage. No doubt students will need to learn how to interact in a diverse environment. Senior: Jackson Public Schools is a district filled with wonderful opportunities for students at all ages, with a plethora of diversity spewing through the halls. Learning about difference. In a day and age where the political climate has started shifting into a mindset of not accepting those who are different than us; something I thought would be on its way out in the year 2016, we as teachers have more of a responsibility than ever. The world is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances celebrated by its various cultures and populations. Amna Baig has been teaching for 9 years. You can find her on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. As a way to recognize diversity in their school or community, many schools host special events for their students and educators, whether they are in honor of Black History Month, Women’s History Month and other significant holidays and local and national events. They shouldn’t have to deal with it though. The time taken for these celebrations may well be worthwhile to build community, celebrate and have fun with students. I’ve written a parent letter for you to help prepare for this event. Cultural diversity in the classroom is on the rise. It's obvious from the regional displays that teachers take a … They also did a project- either a brochure or poster explaining one aspect of their culture – from clothing to music to sports, etc. I’ll give you an example. In 1993, the National Education Association (NEA) adopted Multicultural Diversity Day to “increase awareness of the tremendous need to celebrate our diversity collectively.” Since then, the third Monday in October has been designated to celebrate multicultural diversity in our schools. Teachers and schools regularly engage in activities during and after school to celebrate the various cultures that are represented in the school, as well as national holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mainstream books are great and should stay in the classroom library. See All. Given these mixed feelings toward cultural and holiday celebrations and presentations, educators should take the following considerations into mind as they plan and celebrate the cultural and holiday traditions of the country and the populations they serve. The New York Times’ project on immigration highlights the fact that, since the 1990s, Hispanic and Asian student enrollment in American schools has risen by more than five million, greatly impacting educational and social development at all levels of learning. All teachers should first and foremost reflect on how their own understanding about different cultures and religions is reflected in their classroom. With classes such as 'Leap' classes for fourth to fifth graders, to Advanced Placement classes available for high school students. On the other hand, if you have struggling students in your classroom, this could also have the effect of taking away key learning opportunities. Are there stereotypes that affect […], […] https://educationtothecore.com/2016/04/ways-to-celebrate-diversity/ […], […] educationtothecore.com/2016/04/ways-to-celebrate-diversity/ … See MoreSee Less […], […] https://cdn.educationtothecore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Slide7.jpg […], […] or her students. Correcting students in constructive ways, communicating positive expectations or celebrating students’ diversity are all great strategies that can be implemented in the classroom to enhance relationships. Depending on how the cultural tradition or holiday is being celebrated, students may be having fun and practicing academic skills, through writing, reading or discussing the topic, for example. She also works part time as an academic advisor for an online school and is working with students in K-5. Heritage & Cultural Events. There are tons of both fiction and non fiction story books that teach directly or indirectly differences in backgrounds. Academic Language Learning Institute, Inc. I’m Muslim and no one is blind to how Islam and Muslims are being portrayed in the media. Specific holidays and traditions such as Dia de los Muertos or Kwanza are sometimes celebrated or discussed in schools as well. Tons of food and fun all day! Cultural Day is probably one of the most engaging things I have done. It’s hard to face this, but I don’t know if any of us are immune to it However, once we acknowledge that it happens, when it is happening, and why it is happening, we can take that first step to confront those thoughts, learn more, and begin to help ourselves step away from preconceived notions in order to help our students feel accepted. Read on for ideas and inspiration for hosting your own! Take time out to talk to your students individually to learn about them. During our Social Studies unit on culture, I sent out a parent notice way in advance letting them know of our culminating project. October 19, 2020 (every third Monday in October) is Multicultural Diversity Day, a national day created by Cleorah Scruggs, a fourth-grade teacher in Flint, Michigan, the day was adopted as a national event by the NEA’s 1993 Representative Assembly to “increase awareness of the tremendous need to celebrate our diversity collectively.” Guest Article by Amna from Teach Two Reach: Classrooms today are more diverse than ever. Cultural diversity as an issue wasn't even on the radar of most private school communities until the 1990s. Building the toolkit for paraprofessional success, Want to use videos to boost your sales? Similarly, holidays such as Mother's Day and Father's Day can bring painful reminders of parents who are no longer living, are absent or who have been abusive — not all students have a loving relationship with their parents. (Please note: All dates are for 2020.) Wednesday, November 15, 2017. I know of many Muslim students in schools who are being targeted by other students in discriminatory remarks and actions. There is nothing wrong with wanting to highlight them in schools. Holidays and cultural celebrations are an important part of every society and culture. A multicultural calendar with monthly themes and events is an essential tool for diversity in the workplace training. […] When reading An Indian’s Father’s Plea by Robert Lake (Medicine Grizzlybear), it made me really upset to think how much this child had to suppress while being at school. Are there stereotypes that affect your thinking of a particular group or student? Celebrations of other cultures are also sometimes a part of school celebrations and traditions. Some of the most prominent are & Cultural and holiday celebrations have been a part of the fabric in U.S. schools for decades. Be sure to sign up for my email list and receive exclusive access to my members-only resource library. Discrimination happens. Cultural awareness and tradition play important roles in helping young children develop a positive sense of identity and build self-esteem. The National Multicultural Festival. You can do this on an individual or case by case basis spread out through out the year, as well as an activity where you can have yourself a grand ‘ol feast in a cultural celebration. Define multiculturalism. “There is a richness that comes from stu… We should question, then, the purpose of these celebrations in schools. not all students have a loving relationship with their parents. Every educator wants classroom and school celebrations to be just that — celebratory. Cultural and holiday celebrations have been a part of the fabric in U.S. schools for decades. My hope is that my website can be a place for primary teachers to grow and develop their craft using the content and resources provided on my site. In terms of celebrations and holiday traditions, what purpose are they serving? Use code: CORE to save 20% on your ENTIRE purchase! Meaningful Multicultural Education in a Nation of Immigrants Our nation is rich in many cultural and religious traditions, and celebrations focusing on specific groups have grown and become more popular in the last twenty years. When growing up, in most cases, we are taught all the ins-and-outs of our cultural background. Or are the people doing the planning only from the majority culture or only people in power? I’d also love for you to pop over and say hello on social media! Just like language, it is difficult to imagine a society without them. Jean Snell, clinical professor of teacher education at the University of Maryland, believes cultural diversity enhances the school experience, too. Increase the range of books in your classroom library that celebrate diversity and are by authors from different backgrounds. These celebrations may also be a part of a larger goal of developing awareness of other cultures, their traditions and ways of thinking. We are taught to be proud of who we are and where we come from. While the main purpose of schools might be considered as academic in nature, some celebrations take time away from this purpose. Multicultural education is a progressive approach for transforming education based on educational equality and social justice. HERE is a LIST of 50 multicultural books you can look into today! However, not all students that come from various diverse backgrounds feel included or accepted. December: A Month of Multicultural Holiday Celebrations. Find world-class events to small-town festivals – and everything in between. Teaching Grammar Using Interactive Notebooks. We are so shocked when kids say racist/prejudice things yet we don’t even take the time out of our days to educate them on different cultures than their own. 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