Diversity in the Classroom: The Children You Will Teach
"...if we focus on children's likenesses-their common bonds--then they will be able to celebrate their differences with pride" (pg. 48).
What is a tourist approach to multicultural education? when special activities/lessons/projects are put into the school day because of an observed Holiday or celebration during the time that the lesson is taught
Cultural Awareness is even more important in today's world that it has ever been in the past! Why? technology has shrunk our world!
The infusion approach "extend equal recognitions for all groups and to help all people achieve equal opportunity in our classrooms and throughout society" (pg. 49).
The multiculturalism of a classroom should be embraced and extended upon by culturally responsive teachers!
- Cultural responsiveness- being sensitive to and capable of functioning in a culturally diverse environment!
Culturally responsive teachers are accepting of all diversity within the classroom! They also consider the uncontrollable factors that influence students' lives. Oftentimes, cultural factors are the most influential.
- cultural pluralism- many groups within society...it is no longer a melting pot...it is a salad mix!
- cultural identification (ethnicity)
"In our contemporary global community connected by the Internet, cellular phones, and convenient travel, it is easy to network with a broader variety of people and learn about their culture" (pg. 52).
How to teach in a diverse area?
1. know your community
2. seek family support
3. give equal attention to all groups- no favorites!
4. fill the room with fascinating, different things!
5. invite visitors/guests to the room!
6. use a variety of resources (especially the arts!)
Never devalue the language of a student!
Bilingual Education: According to Freeman Freeman (1993),
1. Environmental Print - printed in both English and child's native lang.
2. Culturally conscious literature
3. Language buddies
"Bilingual education, like all dimensions of a multicultural education, is based on a commitment to school success for all of our nation's children" (pg. 61).
Exceptional Children (students with disabilities and gifted students)
- Inclusion - by law, Public Law 94-142 "least restrictive environment", 1990 Public Law 101-476
How to teach students with disabilities?
1. learn about each specific disability
2. maximize interactions between children with disabilities and nondisabled children - hence, inclusion
3. individualize your progam
4. assess your classroom environment
5. choose books/integrate to help children learn about and appreciate exceptionality
"Inclusion involves changes in attitudes, behaviors, and teaching styles" (pg. 67).
Gifted Students (Characteristics): verbal skills, abstractions, power of concentration, intellect, behavior
Gender, Gender Typing, Gender Constancy
1. Avoid stereotyping masculine and feminine roles
2. Use gender-free language whenever possible
3. Make sure your classroom materials present an honest view of males and females
4. Balance the contributions of men and women within social studies
Social Class, Student SES (explanations for lower achievement of low-SES children)
1. low expectations-low self-esteem
2. learned helplessness (home or school?)
3. resistance cultures
4. tracking (fair or unfair?)
"To affirm individual differences, teachers must eliminate bias from the elementary school environment" (pg. 78).
Great job on your BLOGS.
LJR