Cultural and Linguistic Differences
Brief summary:
This module went over the importance of being culturally aware of every student in the classroom. Many strategies and ideas where shared as to how best work with the students and the parents to make sure everyone is feeling welcomed and comfortable in the classroom and curriculum.
Question brought to mind through reading
- Making sure that the rules for the classroom are compatible with each student’s culture
o The way behaviors will be monitored
- Is each student aware of their role in the classroom?
- What the expectations are of the students, teacher and parents?
AHAs that are new concepts, issues, insights for you
- Taking turns, storytelling approaches, analyzing everything in the classroom as well as what the students bring to the classroom
- Being aware of cultures that communicate indirectly vs. directly
o What does that look like?
- Add to the student’s set of skills vs. taking away something
Interview: The Use of Native Languages in the Classroom
Assessment procedures were not culturally sensitive to the student’s culture. Making sure the student is fully comprehending the material and ensuring the curriculum is relatable to the students. Adapting the lessons to the students, this takes extra work and training, but the outcomes will be worth it. It is important to allow the students to have enough wait time when responding to a question. Cultural relevance of the material, and the importance and emphasis of involving the families in the student’s education. Every child is given all the supports they need to be successful in the academic environment.
Video: Star Student of the Day
- I loved this video. It is such a great idea to give every student the opportunity to share a little bit about themselves to the entire class. Many times the teacher is the only one receiving personal information about the students.
- The activity of having a Start Student of the Day provides the students will so may helpful skills; listening, thinking of questions, being comfortable public speaking, and so many more.
- Every student knows they will have their chance to be the star student of the day so they can prepare for when it is their day
- The amount of activities and learning opportunities used with Star Student of the Day is amazing
- Provides every student a chance to share and be interviewers and the interviewee
- Interactive and find new information and be able to connect with classmates so they feel like a group
- Have friends here and have people that care about them a great way for classmates to appreciate one another
- Offers students a fun way to work on their reading and writing skills