2014 Diversity Calendar- The Diversity Calendar has all the events within the year that are celebrated within different cultures. "The United States is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances celebrated by its various cultures and populations. Knowledge of the following diversity holidays and celebrations can enhance your diversity and inclusion efforts" (Diversity Best Practices 2014).
Cross Culture Practices- English learners are now comprising a large percent of the classroom. It is important to approach to be educated regarding this classroom transformation. "Today, one out of every nine students is learning English as a second language. That's about 5.4 million children—almost the population of Arizona, or Maryland, or Tennessee" (St. John University 2014).
1. See How Far Books Can Take You. Use different books from different cultures in your classroom. Have authors of all ethnicities, both male and female. 2. Join a Worldwide Book Club. "Global collaboration is necessary to show students that they are part of something bigger than them. That the world needs to be protected and that we need to care for all people. You can show them pictures of kids in other countries but why not have them speak to each other? Then the caring can begin" (The Global Read Aloud 2014). 3. Compare Fairy Tales Across Cultures. Finding similarities is very important in developing education. Honing critical thinking skills through interesting tales is also fun for students. "When reading the diverse fairy tales, notice how the cultures portray and deal with these emotions, and compare them to how the students, their family and their friends would show the same feelings" (Edutopia 2014). 4. Teach Tolerance, Empathy and Respect. This is important at any age. Opening up conversations is the first way students can see what is going on within each other's minds. Ask your students questions about the authors they read:
Why is he or she admired around the world?
What characteristics and values does this person have that makes him or her a good leader?
Think about the challenges he or she overcame. What would be the hardest part for you under those circumstances?
If you could meet this person, what would you like to ask him or her?
5. Dispel Stereotypes and Get Facts from the Source. Using accurate examples for students is very important. Finding books that chronicle a "day in the life of" is helpful in seeing what truly is occurring around the world now and in other times. Books like Florence Parry Heide's Day of Ahmed's Secret, Stacy Bellward's Ethiopian Voices: Tsion's Life or Maria de Fatima Campos' Cassio's Day: From Dawn to Dusk in a Brazilian Village are helpful stories.
Zinn Education Project- This education project focuses on all types of diversity. They address different races such as African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander. They also have content regarding topics such as the Civil Rights Movement, disability, economics, environment, imperialism, immigration, labor unions, LGBT, slavery, racism and racial identities, us foreign policy and women's history. This is a wealth of information and they leave out no topics.
Smithsonian Education Heritage teaching resources- "The Smithsonian observes the federally mandated Heritage Months by hosting performances, films, discussions, and many other events in Washington, D.C. In keeping with the spirit of Heritage Months, we offer these thematically arranged teaching resources from across the Smithsonian. The resources have been selected for their relevance to classroom curriculum and national education standards."
LGBT Resources for Anti-Bullying- It's very important that students have a safe environment as younger and younger students and even adults are unnecessarily harassed for their sexual orientation. LGBT youth cope with prejudice, discrimination and violence within society and teachers need to provide safe and respectful environments.
How to Choose the Best Multicultural Books- Get 50 great book recommendations, plus advice from top educators, writers, and illustrators on how to spot literature that transcends stereotypes.
BULLYING- Bullying is the repeated actions or threats of action directed toward a person by one or more people who have or are perceived to have more power or status than their target in order to cause fear, distress or harm. CYBERBULLYING- Cyberbullying is the intentional and repeated mistreatment of others through the use of technology, such as computers, cell phones and other electronic devices.
Definitions Related to Name-Calling, Bullying and Bias-When discussing bullying and bias, it must be made clear that definitions are describing the person’s behavior in a given situation, not defining the individual.
Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Resources for Leveraging Diversity in the Classroom- There are many opportunities to capitalize on the presence of the representational diversity both in our community and particularly with our teaching. The following resources suggest a number of actions to take to make our classrooms as healthy and as safe an environment possible for all student learners. These resources also include a number of suggestions for engaging with particular diversity topics.
YA Novel Pairing
Esperanza Rising is a compelling story about immigration and assimilation. The book description reads, "Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico--she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn't ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances--Mama's life, and her own, depend on it." This story brings culture to the classroom in a way that can be understood by younger students. The book is engaging, addressing the displays of multicultural backgrounds and issues. The main character experiences tragedy and everything in her life changes. The novel also addresses key past issues. According Berkley Public Library, "Set against the multiethnic, labor-organizing era of the Depression, the story of Esperanza remaking herself is satisfyingly complete, including dire illness and a difficult romance. Except for the evil uncles, all of the characters are rounded, their motives genuine, with class issues honestly portrayed. Easy to booktalk, useful in classroom discussions, and accessible as pleasure reading, this well-written novel belongs in all collections." The key aspect of this book is that the issues are accessible and the novel sets the scene for discussion that will change the students opinions on what they previously perceived this culture. It's both powerful and realistic which will be easy to keep students engaged. This novel opens doors for students of all backgrounds. This book can also be paired with books on the Goodreads list.