Tips for Teaching About Diversity Self-awareness in children begins to develop when they first start to distinguish between what is "me" and what is "not me." For example, when companies hire a single person of color to give the appearance of racial equity in the workplace. Festivals are a great medium to make kids aware of one's culture during play school learning only. View our full disclosure policyhere. "At Disney, we speak 23 languages. 2) This day is celebrated by people of all religions with great joy and enthusiasm. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. On his part, Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Samuel Edochie, described the event as remarkable, saying it would make a great impact on the lives of the students. Exhibits have included examples of learning in art, music, social studies, language arts, and math. Make sure to grab the Diversity and Culture Writing Poster today Here! However, celebrating is really important for a number of reasons. . | Such celebrations bring the students closer to each other's traditions and cultural beliefs and develop respect and understanding for each other's customs and traditions. Depending on the schools budget and resources, there may also be opportunities for field trips to cultural sites or local businesses. But on Culture Night, our school community turns out. The next step is to create a list of tasks that need to be completed in order to make the culture day celebration successful. Kimmie is a Senior Editor at WeAreTeachers. Incorporation of them into the school curriculum helps students in several ways. Celebrating the school's annual day provides the school with an opportunity to showcase its achievements. It requires a commitment to proactively dismantle racism and discrimination, and intentionally work to counteract and reverse implicit bias. One student said: "culture day is a day to celebrate but also learn and embrace other people's cultures". It plays a major role in the personality development of children. The students take a fundamental role in 'Culture Day'. Additionally, culture day can provide an opportunity for students to practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as they engage in discussions and activities related to different cultures. Wednesday, November 15, 2017. One of the greatest reasons for all of us to organize a multicultural celebration at our schools is the opportunity it offers students, teachers, and families to encounter one another in celebration of what we all bring to the table. Ideas, Inspiration, and Giveaways for Teachers. They foster emotional connections among students, and help them to feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Language register: What is it and why does it matter in education? As always you can unsubscribe at any time. It can help them keep one foot firmly rooted in their home culture, while also offering learning experiences that might not otherwise occur. Take your inspiration from Walt Disney Elementary and plan a Culture Night at your school. Considering that almost 80% of teachers in public schools are white, while almost half of public elementary and secondary school students are people of color, it is essential that educators create a space where students can bring the pride they feel for their race and ethnicity, and develop an appreciation for diverse racial and ethnic identities. It was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed throughout the world since 2000. Sign up today and get access to this freebie and so much more! On the other hand, if you have struggling students in your classroom, this could also have the effect of taking away key learning opportunities. Spanikopita taste-testing! Certain cultures and religious traditions, for example, do not celebrate holidays such as Halloween and Christmas, and some students may need to excuse themselves from the classroom during holiday parties and activities. Academic Language Learning Institute, Inc. Each grade level contributes something for every regional display. Here are a few lessons that the community has learned along the way. *Affiliate Links: The Little Ladybug Shop is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. (source:Section 5). Government can also encourage culture. Copyright 2021. Getting to know students individually, while learning about the history and culture of their identities, sets up the foundation to establish meaningful relationships with students. Many times, even the shyest students will want to share with their classmates about their culture because they are experts and feel proud of it. Mexican folkloric dance! A lot of preparation precedes the function. Though, best practice would be to . Worse, they can showcase paternalistic attitudes about knowing as much about a country as someone born there because one has lived in or visited it. Allow students to share: Student love to be the experts and allowing them to share and feel excited to share will bring a positive climate to your classroom. Schools across the city are home to students with a range of different heritages and it is therefore their job to ensure that all of their attendees feel represented. However, we should be thoughtful about how we approach the subject, and create inclusive dialogue about how, when and why we celebrate each other. Food is a feature of just about every Culture Night, but here they invite the district's food services to join in on the excitement. 1. Additionally, culture day can help students develop intercultural skills and global perspectives, as they engage in activities and conversations that promote dialogue and understanding between cultures. As Hammond says, You need to put yourself in a place where you are not the majority. Your Industry Needs YOUR Expert Voice The Power and Importance of Celebrating We've taken our girls, who are now teenagers, to Disneyland over the yearsand we all love it there. Ensuring that all students understand the different types of celebrations that happen is a positive reinforcement of cultural awareness in the classroom. As educators engage in this process, their immediate reactions to the neighborhood can provide valuable data to examine and counter their own biases. CMS Grammar School (CMS), Bariga and Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary (BMJS) emerged boys and girls winners respectively at the eight Inter-Collegiate Sports Fiesta tagged, The Africa Magic, in association with MultiChoice, has announced an eight-day series of events to herald the eighth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs), Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on Nigerians to always engage themselves in natural activities as a way of making themselves happy, Across Edo state, lessons are being learnt as government-owned primary schools mark inter-house sports and cultural day season. Here are some reasons behind the importance of celebrating different cultures in the classroom. And this includes schools. An entire culture simply cannot be capturedand is often trivializedby a single display board. These questions are critical to take into account. Help us continue to bring the science of a meaningful life to you and to millions around the globe. When planning for culture day at school in 2022, its important to consider the types of activities that can be included in the celebration. Unfortunately, however well-intentioned, Culture Day is a misguided effort. Given this emphasis on learning about and appreciating other cultures and perspectives, educators should carefully weigh the amount of time they are using for cultural celebrations and holiday traditions into their instruction. Throughout the year, there are days, weeks and months celebrating groups, the history of different cultures and the importance of education and inclusion. In this year 2022 Cultural Heritage day celebration, our correspondence have an exclusive interview with one of the Director in the Federal Government Ministries who spoke extensively in Yoruba Language on the subject matter while pleaded for anonymity has this to say. Fifth-grade classes create a large exhibition composed of their 50 States Projects. It is important that we also remember that a student's ethnic heritage is not necessarily directly tied to their cultural practices. This function also gives students an opportunity to showcase their various talents and interact with their teachers in a more informal . 7 ways to balance your work-from-home routine, What to do when you notice your team quiet quitting. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). It's yet another way to remind students and parents that Culture Night is not an event to be missed. This is in keeping with the philosophy of EdoBEST in schools which promotes not just academic laurels. There is nothing wrong with wanting to highlight them in schools. Multicultural Fair. A new book explains how devaluing emotional labordisproportionately done by women and other disadvantaged groupsperpetuates inequality. Others include nonacademic activities such as food or movies. She has 13 years of classroom teaching experience and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. Additionally, we must be keenly aware that celebrating other cultures, when we are not members of that culture, can potentially be construed as tokenism or cultural appropriation. March 26, 2023; tampa bay golf and country club tidbits This timeline will help ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner, and it will help keep the planning process organized. These are great ways to start conversations in your classroom. Students also shared that Culture Day not only allows their experiences to be. Students emphasise how important it is that they take a lead role, saying: "[it's] very important that students have the input because it is for students and [it's] a way for them to celebrate their different cultures". Learn more about Arab American Heritage Month. It is within its mandate for peace that it works . In my new book, Teaching with the HEART in Mind: A Complete Educators Guide to Social Emotional Learning, I discuss why educators need to build their cultural competence in order to nurture positive relationshipsand how they can ensure that students feel respected, seen, and affirmed. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says it is possible for Nigeria to conquer ethnic and religious prejudices as they are crucial issues in building a unified nation. It helps the students to build up their confidence and overcome the fear of stage or expressing their views. Students might, for example, get the impression that Indian people always wear saris or that Native Americans only existed in the past. By hosting a culture day celebration, schools can promote cultural awareness and celebrate diversity among their students. They can know about the different traditions and customs of different religions and yet celebrate . : Short Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue, Writing and Reading Mysteries for Comprehension, January and New Years Ideas for Students. Erick Herrmann A John Cabot student added: "Most schools in Bristol are multicultural. It is a day when the . Finally, its important to incorporate student-led activities into the culture day celebration. The 4 th Annual Celebration of Culture Day took place in Dundalk Grammar School turning the school into a sea of colour and creating an atmospheric vibe and buzz making it not like any other day. 'Culture Day'. These relationships can be established when educators take the time to know their students individually; learning about students historical roots, ethnic group, home language, religion, or immigration story can provide teachers with valuable information. There can be gaps between how things are and how we want them to be in our relationships with partners, family, and even coworkers. 3:44 am. Digital Resources for The Paperless Google Classroom. Benefits of cultural activities in schools. As a teacher it is important to communicate an interest in your students culture. From the GGSC to your bookshelf: 30 science-backed tools for well-being. Positive relationships also foster resilience, and reduce the impact that negative factorssuch as adverse childhood experiences (ACE)may have on childrens healthy development. A big pull for parents is that they know they'll have the opportunity to see multiple examples of student work throughout the building. Given these mixed feelings toward cultural and holiday celebrations and presentations, educators should take the following considerations into mind as they plan and celebrate the cultural and holiday traditions of the country and the populations they serve. With so many unique cultures in the world, there's always a holiday to celebrate. How has the neighborhood changed in the last decade? Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Some students have come up with the idea of having an evening event with musicians, poets etc and a feast of cultural foods and inviting families along.". It is marked to raise awareness about the importance of cultural . Edutopia and Lucas Education Research are trademarks or registered trademarks of the George Lucas Educational Foundation in the U.S. and other countries. Once the theme has been chosen, it will be easier to plan specific activities that fit into the overall theme. A spokesperson for the school said: "We would like to expand our culture day into our parent/carer community and get families more involved in building the community at JCA. Our nation is rich in many cultural and religious traditions, and celebrations focusing on specific groups have grown and become more popular in the last twenty years. Reading books allows the voice of the culture to be heard and also you are able to show pictures and images from the different cultures. 1. By hosting a culture day celebration, schools can promote cultural awareness and celebrate diversity among their students. Pediatrician David Schonfeld offers some advice. Extend invitations to family members as well, and invite other classes in your school to attend. Feb 21. Ultimately, we need to carefully consider the consequences of any actions taken in schools. The day recognizes the importance of access to education among youth worldwide. The first step is to create a timeline for the event, which should include dates for planning meetings, deadlines for tasks, and a date for the culture day celebration itself. The school's extraordinary celebration of cultural diversity didn't evolve overnight. Christmas Celebration in My School Essay 10 Lines (100 - 150 Words) 1) The biggest festival of Christians is celebrated on 25 December as Christmas. Our ambassador teachers share how their schools host cultural festivals and events, and how these events impact students and families. Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior? Is there a particular threshold for a number of students or community members when choosing which traditions or holidays to celebrate? It sure looks like youre checking a diversity box if this is the only work your school does in that area. The fourth-grade classes create one-minute morning announcements based on their country report projects. For every family sharing about their own heritage, theres someone else representing a culture to which they do not belong (*guilty*). Parent involvement is a must for any good Culture Night. Celebrate tradition and cultural awareness with young children Cultural awareness and tradition play important roles in helping young children develop a positive sense of identity and build self-esteem. Essay on teachers day Celebration in School - Essay 1 (200 words) . Cultural diversity and learning will be celebrated this month in the UK's second annual national Language Festival. The goal of these interactions is for educators to develop important connections with families: to learn about their beliefs, hopes, and dreams and to learn how they perceive their role in supporting their childrens education. 101 JFK Parkway | Short Hills, NJ | 07078 | (973) 921-5500, Protected: Classroom Talk-to-Text Project, We Cant Teach Writing if We Dont Do It Ourselves, 42 Little Things That Drive Teachers Crazy. For example, instead of focusing only on Christmas, make sure to cover and give . An entire culture simply cannot be capturedand is often trivializedby a single display board. To promote cultural diversity by showcasing different types of cultural expression To encourage inclusive, equitable and vibrant participation by communities in the arts , culture and heritage sectors To create employment for producers of creative goods To promote and preserve Zimbabwean culture and identity The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. Korean hanbok fashion show! And, the truth is, we can and should do so much more. Or can the same goals be accomplished in other ways? Walking around a neighborhood and understanding the communitys assetsthe food, music, traditions, or history of the neighborhoodas well as some of the issues they face can provide educators with important data to connect with students and inform teaching practices. Turn your classroom into a visual celebration of culture! Another key component of the tourist curriculum is that after your visit, you return to regular life. However, an approach that many teachers take are talking to students one on one and learning more about the student. Greater Good Elena Aguilar, author and founder of Bright Morning Consulting, encourages teachers to let families know that they want to learn about their individual cultures, acknowledging the differences that exist. Similarly, holidays such as Mother's Day and Father's Day can bring painful reminders of parents who are no longer living, are absent or who have been abusive not all students have a loving relationship with their parents. Climate, Hope, & Science: The Science of Happiness podcast, How Unequal Discipline Hurts Black Students, How to Change the Story about Students of Color, Four Ways Teachers Can Reduce Implicit Bias, How to Teach Online So All Students Feel Like They Belong, Resources to Support Anti-Racist Learning, Six Ways to Build More Equitable Learning Environments, Seven Tips for Better Relationship Conversations. He also advised parents to encourage their children speak their various mother tongues. But faculty buy-in is equally, if not more, important. This is not a small task. Celebrating events and festivals in our school has become an integral part of learning and building a strong cultural belief. Schools and churches should also encourage cultural day celebration and teach the children the importance of culture from the cradle. The event provides a venue where diverse perspectives, cultures and values are accepted, appreciated and celebrated. Conclusion: Annual Day is a yearly celebration that takes place in schools. Some cultural and holiday activities may include academic activities such as artistic activities, reading books or articles about the topic or writing prompts. Culture day can have a significant impact on student learning, as it provides students with an opportunity to explore their own culture and learn about other cultures in a positive, safe environment. The festivals include cultural performaces and exhibitions of uniques cultural expressions by various . Celebrations bring the students or the children closer to each other's cultural beliefs and traditions to develop respect and understanding for each other's customs and traditions. For your bookshelf: 30 science-based practices for well-being. How is that affecting the student population that the school serves. The fetistivals are major platforms through which kenyan communities celebrate their unique cultures. Your email address will not be published. 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