Different cultures from around the world offer so much that could and should be celebrated.
Check out this article that offers a breakdown of culturally responsive teaching and multiple examples of CRT being implemented in schools!
Culturally responsive activities push students to learn more about the world around them, by exposing children to the wealth of knowledge that different cultures offer! Students also have the opportunity to learn and connect with eachother, through sharing perosnal experiences and asking questions about each others' cultures.
Activities that equally represent all students can also be a great opportunity for teachers to develop cultural competency while working on skills across all academic domains. Being able to incorporate cultural awareness into lessons aids in the development of a safe learning environment for all students.
Grade Level: First Grade
Subject: Art, Social Studies
Materials: Paper, Scissors, Markers, Crayons, Paint
Before the activity begin a discussion about things that are important to us and how we can use our voice to speak up when we see someone being unkind or doing something that is unjust. Have the student draw a picture of themselves. Then have the students write what they could say to speak up surrounding them. Close with a group discussion about inclusion and the importance of being kind to each-other despite our differences.
Grade Level: Second Grade
Subject: Math (Fractions), Social Studies
Materials: Baking Materials, Measurement Tools, Oven, Fraction Chart Guide
The teacher can read a culturally diverse book. Then from the book the class can look at traditional foods eaten in the culture discussed in the book. As a class the teacher will bake or cook a special recipe from another country or that represents another country.
This activity is interactive and engaging for students to understand math. Students get a great visual understanding using food as manipulatives!
Grade Level: Third Grade
Subject: Social Studies, ELA
Materials: Construction Paper, Writing Tool, Markers, Crayons, Glue, Scissors, any necessary textbooks
Students will create a projects incorporating their family's heritage. They will address several aspects of their heritage and family traditions. Students will create a mini poster using a piece of construction paper. Students are able to complete the project with no creative restrictions.
Students should address:
✓ Family values
✓ Traditions
✓ Culture
In this activity helps create a band between home and school. When students share their projects they can engage in discussions building a strong culturally attentive classroom community.
Grade Level: Fourth Grade
Subject: ELA, Social Studies, Geography
Materials: Index Card, Coloring Supplies, Writing Tool
Show students a globe. Have students toss around the globe and where their hand lands is their country to research (the culture, where the country is, tradations, foods) and create a "post-card" to send to their friends/ families from their selected country.
This activity prompts students to pick any place in the world and create a post card capturing culture, traditions, art, and social norms of the country. Children will be prompted to share their post card to the class.
Multicultural Games are a great way to expose students to different cultural norms around the world. This fun activity gives students a chance to share and explore games played all around the world!
Grade Level: Fifth Grade
Subject: Social Studies
Materials: Dependent on games.
As a class the teacher and students can view and discuss games played all around the world. The teacher can promote discussions between students and games they play. Together the class can pick several games to play.
Grade Level: Sixth Grade
Subject: Social Studies, Geography
Materials: Globe, Paper, Markers, Crayons, any necessary textbooks.
The below factors such and how these factors affect personal identity are discussed.:
✓ Heritage
✓ Family Culture and Values
✓ Character, Gender
✓ Race and Ethnicity
✓ Life Experiences
✓ Age
✓ Religious Beliefs
✓ Personality and Abilities
*The teacher can prompt group discussions about countries that students in the class show interests in, promoting inclusion and culturally responsive teaching. Having conversations about culture only spreads more awareness!*