Multiculturalism: What does this mean to a teacher?
After reading and learning about Multiculturalism, it is about addressing the changing needs of our society. Our people are individuals and that alone is the where it all begins. Just thinking about it overwhelms me. There are so many circles within and without the micro and macro parts of multiculturalism. Culture is our perception. How can one teacher address each individual? The answer is getting to know your students? Have wonderful and interesting lesson plans that encourage them with purpose! Create an environment that is conducive to safety, promotes belonging and opportunity for positive choices! Next, teach the three R’s Rights, Respect and Responsibility! Have awareness of your students and ask them how are you doing? Spread LUV to your student students by being a good example and Listen, Understand and Validate them. Know what programs within school and outside of school that can address the concerns your students might be facing. Be part of the “Professional Learning Community” and the “Community” that entails involvement within the fascists of those different cultures! Have friends from those cultures! Next, think “outside of the box” and look into why things are this way and question them. How can I help? And do some thing about it! Think, “If it is not acceptable to you why would it be to them?” In addition, have great classroom management skills that are fair, flexible but maintain standards and known expectations that are taught to the students. Use technology to facilitate students and parents in tracking their performance, homework, participation, goals and expectations. Use the positives of praise, for example: the two praises to one command rule! Play educational games so the students get to know each other! Use lesson plan models to achieve ways for all learners to learn! Call the parents and let them know who you are and you get to know them! Last, teach your students how to study and be free thinkers! The importance of education is your student’s choice so give them the tools and they will choose wisely as they apply themselves!
“Share with your students that you like them are a human too!”