Classrooms with Culture

Nieto and Bode suggest that we use, affirm, and sustain culture and language rather than erase them in our classroom.  As suggested by Nieto and Bode (2008) a key component of this is that cultural, linguistic connections can play a key role in student’s academic success.  I chose  the case study of Savoun Nouch his academic suggestions involved reading sessions in student’s culture, relationships with students, affirming student’s identity, and teacher’s role as a social advocate (p.358).  Nieto and Bode also suggest that in order to successfully develop academic achievement in the classroom, teachers and schools need to take a look at:

ü  A redefinition of education and success

ü  Pride and conflict in culture and language

ü  The role of activities not related to academics in sustaining school success

ü   The important support of family, community, and teachers (p.340).

By taking these themes into consideration teachers can begin to implement activities in the classroom such as multicultural stories in the student’s native language as away to affirm student’s self identity, role play activities, mini history lessons in which students learn about various cultures other than their own. Encourage discussions that involve all students, foster feelings of emotional well-being by creating an environment that respects all students’ opinions. Because many of these themes translate outside of the classroom, plan field trips to art museums, as a way of learning about other cultures and their own, these trips can be a great way for students to talk and learn about each other. In addition, because many students culture is closely tied to family, teachers must invite family members in the classroom and send homework home that involves student and parents working together. The parents can also be used as real-life examples by inviting them into the classroom to talk about their experiences.

Reference

Nieto, S., & Bode, P. (2008). Affirming diversity: the sociopolitical context of multicultural   education. Boston,

MA: Pearson.