The Importance of Classroom Inclusion and Diversity

Including diverse materials helps expose children to those who are different than them, helping students learn to both recognize and appreciate differences in the society that they live in. As mentioned by American University, “Diversity is crucial for elementary school students to learn about because it helps them to appreciate the differences among people and cultures” (American University, 2023, para.20). Children must be exposed to different people and cultures in order for them to learn to respect and celebrate those who are different than them. This also helps students become more empathetic, which is especially an important quality to possess as one grows older (American University, 2023, para.21).

According to a study conducted by Pennsylvania State University, “When children are excluded, it can diminish their feelings of self-worth and confidence and have a negative impact on their social-emotional skills and the relationships they form with other children and their teachers” (The Pennsylvania State University, 2022, para.1). However, when children are included in the classroom there are much more positive impacts being made emotionally. The university further states, “When children are included, they feel valued and respected and are more likely to have positive opinions about their teachers, peers, and learning” (The Pennsylvania State University, 2022, para.1). Therefore, it is evident that inclusive classrooms not only support diversity and represent all, but they actually impact student’s social-emotional skills as well.

Family Assignments in the Classroom

It is important that we recognize that all families look different and that we minimize the number of restrictions we put on school activities because of the diversity of families. 

Because all families look different, all assignments that involve family in my classroom will be mindful of those differences. Here are some of the inclusive and  family-friendly worksheets your students have worked on this school year. 

Our Class Library

Creating diverse and welcoming environments that visibly represent all families is essential for forming inclusive classrooms. This includes providing materials that represent different types of individuals, cultures, and families. We can achieve a diverse classroom by filling our classroom with materials that represent many different family structures. For example, classrooms should contain media that represents different families, including those of different races, families with adopted children, same-sex couples, stepparents, or even families where there are other guardians caring for the child (Cox-Petersen, 2011, p.84). 

In my classroom, I work to achieve this sense of representation through many different forms of media, but especially through books. Below are some of my favorite books that represent diversity and inclusion. These books address the differences of others and families and how in our classroom, everyone is accepted for who they are. If you are interested in purchasing any of the books down below, just click on the picture and it will bring you directly to Amazon to purchase it!

Tell Me More About YOU!

As mentioned in an Edutopia article written by Janice Wyatt-Ross, “It’s imperative that students and teachers know each other beyond the subjective cultural experiences that each may bring to the classroom, and that educators possess an understanding of diverse cultures but not stereotype people into a one-size-fits-all cultural mold. Students need to be related to as full, complex, multidimensional people.” (Wyatt-Ross, 2018, para.2). This idea emphasizes the importance of understanding that each student comes from a unique background compared to other students and that all families look different from one another. 

I strive as an educator to understand all of my students as diverse and multidimensional beings. I will accept your student for who they are and will learn and celebrate the differences that they have to offer to our classroom. That being said, I am always interested in learning more about your student and your family. If you have anything you'd like to share with me about your family dynamics, culture, traditions, celebrations, etc., feel free to contact me via. text or email with any information and/or concerns you'd like to share. 

References 

American University. (2023, January 27). Diversity in the classroom: Teaching, types, & examples. School of Education Online. https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/diversity-in-the-classroom/

Cox-Petersen, A. (2011). Educational partnerships: Connecting Schools, families, and the community. SAGE.

The Pennsylvania State University. (2022, October 20). Building an inclusive environment in early childhood classrooms. Better Kid Care. https://extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/news/building-an-inclusive-environment-in-early-childhood-classrooms