Strategies and Approaches for a Culturally Responsive Classroom

In my opinion, communication, research-based approaches, knowledge, empathy and effort are the main pillars of embracing diversity in the classroom.

In my practice I try to communicate with families using several approaches and strategies in order to meet their needs. For instance, some of the  parents in my classroom, and their child, do not speak any English. When in this situations, I resort to a colleague that can serve as a translator; when no one is available I use a combination of online translation, pictures ( with captions on their native language), gestures, drawings and smiles.

I also use my life experience and knowledge. For instance, travelling has educated me on customs of other cultures; it has helped me develop an understanding of diversity and to approach cultures openly and respectfully. Additionally, reading and researching about cultures helped me to adapt my behavior in order to show respect, and conform. For example, in some arab countries it is not polite to use your left hand to eat, and it is disrespectful to extend your left hand for a handshake. It is considered the “dirty” hand used for hygiene. Likewise, a female should not extend her hand (right or left) to a male for a handshake. This simple action, shows respect to the local custom. To westerners this action might have other connotations, however I have learned through my readings and experience, that it is not about me, it is about adapting to show tolerance and respect. Similarly in some Asian countries, touching a child’s head is considered rude, while in Brazil it is a display of affection.

I believe, we, early childhood educators are extremely flexible and creative beings. In a classroom with 11 nationalities such as my previous one, one must employ a mixture of common sense, effort, intention, sensitivity, and knowledge,  in order to effectively embrace diversity.

Strategies I use to educate myself about families are:

1. Invite parents to teach children a game from their culture; read a story; share a recipe or cook with children.
2. Collect information about families about holidays they celebrate; languages they speak; places they have lived, etc.
3. Share an anecdote of their children that demonstrates that I care and I am making an effort to get to know them.
4. Communicate via meetings, weekly emails, updates, etc.
5. All About Me Bag: a show and tell activity where children bring objects of significance to them to share with the classroom.
6. Celebrate different  holidays (Holi; Ramadan; Eid Al Fitr; Christmas; etc).

Strategies to model/teach expectations and empathy:

1. Role-playing.

2. Classroom guided discoveries: setting expectations for centers and areas.

3. Read picture books that help children understand empathy: A Chair for My Mother; Jamaica's Find; A Color Of His Own.

4. Classroom Rules collectively created and supported by pictures of children's actions and their illustrations.

5. Similarities and differences activities followed by a reflection.

6. More role-playing :)

Strategies to celebrate diversity:

1. Sing songs from different cultures, shared by the children/parents.
2. Read picture books from authors around the world.
3. Learn greetings and words from children and use them occasionally.
4. Cultural Studies or Cultural Day. A special day to celebrate and share heritage.
5. A cultural fashion parade ( have never done it, but just thought about it).
6. Role-play area with objects, costumes and play food from different places.
7. Label class items in several languages.
8. Display art work that shows diversity and promote opportunities for children to make art from diverse countries.