Cultural Diversity in my Classroom
The physical environment of a classroom can be just as fundamental as the curriculum itself. Just as there is a “hidden curriculum” in textbooks, there are also hidden messages in the physical setting of a classroom. If children see only one culture represented in the posters on the wall, they will believe that only that culture belongs in school. If they only see one culture represented in the art and pictures on the wall, they may feel isolated and believe their culture is unimportant. If children are placed in groups where everyone is of the same background, they begin to feel disconnected and unequal to their peers. In order to avoid these circumstances, I will expose my students to other cultures by incorporating diversity into the physical environment of my classroom. I will have positive posters portraying people of all colors, genders, and ages. In order to celebrate the different backgrounds in my classroom, I will decorate my walls not only with the American flag, but with the flags of many different nations. I will also display the pictures of heroes from all over the world, such as Mahatma Ghandi and Rosa Parks. I will display artwork from international artists such as Diego Rivera and Rosa Bonheur. I will attach labels to items all over my room in different languages, so that students learn fundamental words in a language other then their own. During quiet times, such as silent reading or journal reflections, I will play music from different cultures. The music will alternate so that one day I may play Navajo chants and drums, and the next I will play reggae. Another way, and perhaps the most important way, that I will incorporate and promote diversity into my classroom is by arranging the desks into pods of four. I will then seat students of diverse backgrounds in each pod, so that all students interact with one another, and there are no “alliances” made amongst different ethnic groups. By creating diversity in the physical environment of my classroom, I will teach my students to embrace the differences of their peers.
In order to acknowledge diversity, I will also carry the celebration of other cultures across the curriculum. I will celebrate holidays from all over the world in my class and incorporate them into my lessons. For example, during Hispanic month, my class will learn about the contributions the Mayan Indians made to mathematics, such as the invention of the number zero. In history, we would study the history of Hispanic countries. In science, we would learn about the different contributions Hispanics have made to science. For example, we would learn about Adriana Ocampo-Uria, the planetary geologist currently working on the MARS project. The literature found in my classroom will also be diverse. Because I will read to my students on a daily basis, our classroom library will be full of books with characters and stories from all over the world. I will read books with both male and female protagonist. For example, the book Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher, is an exciting book about an Arabian girl. Books, such as this one, allow children to grasp the idea that no matter what their color or gender, they can embark on journeys and make their mark in the world. By carrying diversity across the curriculum, I will promote diversity.
Most importantly, in order to bring diversity into my classroom and teach my students to embrace it, I will maintain a close relationship with the parents and families of my students. I will encourage parents to visit our classroom and share their culture with my students as well as myself. I will regularly host cultural celebrations in my classroom and will invite guest speakers from all backgrounds to join us. I will encourage guest speakers to bring traditional dishes and cultural artifacts so that my students may live the culture, so to speak. By embracing diversity in these ways, I will create awareness and acceptance among my students, and therefore have a more harmonious classroom.
Introducing my students to cultural diversity is of utmost importance to me. Being a minority myself, there were many times in my life that I wished people were more accepting of my culture. My goal as a teacher is to educate my students not only in the educational aspect, but in the social aspect. I want my students to be well rounded, respectful, and accepting individuals ready to face a colorful world. That to me, is the essence of education.
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