One of the
pressing issues is in education today is how to create culturally diverse
classrooms. Chapter 2 in All Children Read discusses ways to
incorporate the social and cultural lives of students in creating a literate
school/class culture that welcomes the differences in the student’s lives. The main points that are addressed are learning
about students and creating relationships, involving parents, and continuing
professional development to broaden a teacher’s cultural awareness. Two of the
most important ways, in my opinion, are providing reading options that are
culturally relevant to the student population, and utilizing the funds of
knowledge mentioned in the Learning Classroom video to embrace different
ethnicities, as well as encouraging parental involvement.
All
Children Read gives quite a few resources for finding
culturally diverse literature. It is
important for students to have the opportunity to read and learn about people
with whom they can identify. Students
appreciate the teacher who makes a personal connection and attempts to create a
classroom environment where they feel valued.
Teachers can foster a cooperative and collaborative atmosphere by having
students to educate classmates through book reviews and oral presentations as a
way to promote a positive school climate, as well as to offer an equal
education to all students.
A fund of
knowledge activity is another way to embrace the cultural differences while
educating all students in mutually beneficial behaviors. By using the Family
History Memoir Writing assignment mentioned in the Classroom Mosaic video,
student learn about one another while also practicing research and writing
skills. The Family History project
sounds like a great way to involve families and to encourage a community of
learners between the school and home. Students
can incorporate their real lives into the classroom for appealing and
interesting learning.
.
I like this! After reading this unit it really made me think of present and past students that are from other backgrounds. Many of them bring s much to the classroom that is completely untouched. I like the Family History Project that pursues an interaction where ultimately students learn about one another, but they also learn about other cultures, languages, and experiences. I believe that relevance is the key here, and I like the way that you opened my eyes to that by visiting your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! To me, reading become useless and void if we are not able to either make connections to the subjects or in some way apply the lessons we learn to our own lives. This is what students are looking for. They are looking for opportunities to share, and as is human nature, we look for opportunities to make connections and share about ourselves. Students are so special and unique and their cultural differences should be celebrated through our literature as well as our class discussions.
ReplyDeleteThe Family History Program sounds so interesting. It's a great way for students to learn more about their own personal history while involving the family in literacy. Very interesting.
ReplyDelete