Learning environments today are filled with students from diverse backgrounds. When students from a variety of cultures are accepted and nurtured, when cultures are celebrated, the community benefits.
Learning environments today are filled with students from diverse backgrounds. When students from a variety of cultures are accepted and nurtured, when cultures are celebrated, the community benefits.
A great way to incorporate multicultural education is by utilizing culturally responsive strategies. Culturally responsive teaching engages students by connecting to and honoring their cultures, experiences and backgrounds. Consider the following strategies to incorporate multicultural education into your program:
- Know your community. Learn about the students who participate in your program. What languages do they speak? What are their interests outside of school? Learn about their families, and encourage them to share their cultures with the after school group.
- Create an inclusive, multicultural program environment. Use resources, photos, music, books and other materials that reflect a variety of languages, cultures and ethnicities. If you have students who are English language learners, provide information and materials in their home languages.
- Cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance. Set aside any stereotypes, and learn about the individuals. Encourage students and staff to look for ways to include everyone in your site’s activities. A welcoming environment that celebrates cultural richness helps students feel supported and provides them with the best opportunity to learn.
As students progress through school into the professional realm, they will interact with people from many backgrounds. Multicultural education teaches every student the importance of equality and how to positively relate to others from different cultures.
