Diversity and inclusion, which are the real grounds for creativity, must remain at the center of what we do. The benefits of teaching diversity are statistically proven to improve a number of student outcomes. In a rapidly diversifying world, students deserve educators and educational resources that teach diversity in the classroom and affirm the importance of inclusion, respect, and justice for all. Coupled with Inclusion our lights burn longer, Together we are smarter, better and stronger, Written 3/8/2012 for The Conference Board Diversity Boot Camp Spring 2012 team, I invite you to read this beautiful poem on diversity and inclusion by a colleague, Charles Bennefield, who is an internal corporate diversity director, located in Georgia. This is a strategy that many feel they have mastered but getting to know your students is more than just knowing their name. We allow our ignorance to prevail upon us and make us think we can survive alone, alone in patches, alone in groups, alone in races, even alone in genders. Falling Asleep in Class by Kenn Nesbitt 6. My Teacher Wasn't Half As Nice As Yours Seems To Be by Roald Dahl Our identities are intersectional and overlapping, and many aspects of our identities change over time. by Christine K. Dungan In this edition, three members of the Vanderbilt community engage some of the questions surrounding the issue of diversity in the classroom. During our introductory session, I limit the demonstration to sharing and discussing kids' poems. He Was Fatally Beaten by Memphis Police Now People Around the World Are Sharing #SunsetsForTyre in His Honor, 41 Daughter Quotes That Will Touch and Melt Your Heart, 20 Most Inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. About the author: Dr. Shanita Brown Aaron is a professor of education devoted to putting more books that featuring diverse characters into the hands of all children in schools and homes. I Am Diversity, Please Include Me I 'm present in every place you go Depending on your lens I'm friend or foe I'm a force to be reckoned with Like the winds of change I move. Dr. Aaron is the author of My Inspiration! As we teach children to prepare for college or the workplace, teachers must address and embrace living and working in a diverse country. We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. There are so many other poems you can find in books of poetry. For example, a child can proudly affirm that they are both Black and Korean American, having a mother who is a Black woman from Chicago and a father who is a Korean man from Busan. that block their And building a multi-cultural classroom environment has been shown to increase student engagement, motivation, and behavior. Brainstorming before independent writing (5 min.) A Sampling of Recommended Diverse Literature, Alphabetized by Author. fills them with clout . Having a diverse classroom and having quality conversations about diversity can support mindfulness and tolerance in just about any student. Have fun incorporating these ideas and allow them to inspire you to come up with even more of your own. "Giving Voice" also offers an Continue reading However, there are a few poems included in the book that have content about sex and racism in America. The course will address the variety of ways these selections can be introduced and used to address concepts and skills that meet assessable standards. "Diversity is an aspect of human existence that cannot be eradicated by terrorism or war or self-consuming hatred. better.than. Start pursuing your goals in education with American University. By listening to recorded readings ofthe poems and reading Here I amseven years laterand so much of what troubled me as a pre-service teacher still troubles me today. This post shares some of my favorite poetry books that celebrate diversity while also teaching important elements of reading poems. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, this story follows two young women from different sides of the tracks - Ofilwe and Fiks. to be more sensitive, This can be an opportunity to bring parents into class, or you can seek outside resources from perhaps a local college/university or a multicultural organization. activities from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR K-5 edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2012), Share "First Laugh, Navajo Baby" by Rose Ann Tahe and Nancy Bo Flood from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), Here is the Navajo language version of "First Laugh, Navajo Baby" by Rose Ann Tahe and Nancy Bo Flood from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), Share "How to Make a Friend" by Jane Heitman Healy Ready for Friendship Day or any day from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), Celebrate the mid-autumn Moon Festival with this poem by Grace Lin, "On the, Celebrate Black History Month with this poem by Charles Waters from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with Janet Wong's poem, "I Can Ask and I Can Learn" from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), "'Break-fast' at Night" by Ibtisam Barakat for the end of Ramadan from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), "Red, White, and Blue" by Libby Martinez from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), TAKE 5 activities for "How to Make a Friend" by Jane Heitman Healy from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong. Angry thoughts whirled and swirled around my not so pretty little head as I fought instead to understand what went on in class today. What we have to do is to find a way to celebrate our diversity and debate our differences without fracturing our communities. Im the ingenuity that helps your team win the race. make. I'm Going To Be Using This In One Of My presentations, I Will Definitely Credit it to you, very nice calming poem that touched my heart many times i wish that the entire world would read this poem so we can make a diffrence for our freinds and family. Stripped of dignity! Kids often express a natural curiosity toward the food, sports, art, clothes, childrens books, games, toys, and dances of different cultures. Including diverse learning and teaching material is one way to bring diversity into the classroom. This can be done through the survey you send home or as a separate initiative, but try to engage with your students parents too. We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community, and this nation. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines diversity as "the condition of having or being composed of differing elements especially the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization.". Here are five areas that are key to promoting better community relations in diverse and non-diverse classrooms alike. Nassau Community. By providing my information and clicking the Submit button, I consent to be contacted via telephone (including a cell phone, if provided), email, and text message about the program selected above. One source is SoundCloud.com/lumarchingband. uses . had helped them grow Day-to-day, teachers can use targeted seating plans and cooperative learning activities in lessons to support this. In America, when youre black and poor the tall man aboriginal spirit; metadata api request failed: component conversion failed: file_ended; caleb foote sandlot But by taking the initiative to demonstrate your interest in their culture or background, youre already doing the work of building a foundation of trust and openness about who they are and where they come from. "Como hacerse de un amigo" (Spanish version) based on "How to Make a Friend" by Jane Heitman Healy from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong, "How to Make a Friend" by Jane Heitman Healy from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong, Spanish version of Janet Wong's poem, "I Can Ask and I Can Learn" ("Puedo preguntar y puedo aprender") from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015). Further Reading:4 Successful Strategies to Increase Teacher Diversity. of ignorance America has as much diversity in peoples as it does in geographies. Mini-lesson on features of poetry (5-10 min.) 1. And to many, I reflect hope and inspiration. 4. While less than half of Asian students with 38%, American Indian/Alaska Native students with 37%), and White students with only 5 percent attended public schools. Celebrate it every day. We can convince ourselves to do things in conjunction with one another that we wouldnt have been able to do as an individual. Diversity is why America is going in a downward spiral. A great place to start is Teaching Tolerance they have an abundance of resources including lessons, professional development, and publications for K-12 educators. The greater the diversity, the greater the perfection. Students should also learn to celebrate and respect people from cultures different from their own. Celebrate it every day. University of San Diego 2023. The teacher asks a question. Diversity is not how we differ. Learning about and understanding diversity in the classroom can enhance the perspective of both prospective and developing teachers in many ways as they engage with the realities of todays classrooms. And here are some quotes to inspire you: "We need to resist the tyranny of low expectations. Dont forget to grab a free digital poetry activity that can be combined with many of the books in this post. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 education as a teacher, and principal she knows first hand the need for culturally inclusive classrooms where students and staff acknowledge and appreciate diversity to deepen the overall learning experience. Finally, diversity in the classroom is a teaching tool and opportunity for educational enrichment in itself. graduates from There are a growing number of diversity teaching professional development opportunities out there, and these can really help you start introducing these concepts into your own teaching. As leaders, we have to put out the message that we embrace, and not just tolerate, diversity. window We NEVER get paid to review products on this site. A Conversation on Race in the Military, Haven for Harmony or Haven for White Supremacists, Real Diversity & Inclusion= Integration + Empathy. When working and learning with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. 9 percent of US public school teachers identified as Hispanic, whereas 27 percent of public elementary students identified as Hispanic. After Saya's mother is sent to an immigration detention center, Saya finds comfort in listening to her mother's warm greeting on their answering machine. Anonymous, It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. The poems featured above can be used anytime of the year. Im invisible at times and yet all over the place. offers its 7,600 students an abundance of opportunities to explore their interests in and out of the classroom. Diversity in and out of the classroom will continue to grow, so it's essential we prepare students to adapt to an evolving world and embrace those different from themselves. .fewer bitter judgments would pass our lips, fewer racial, national, and class prejudices would stain our lives." ---Harry Emerson Fosdick. Studies have shown that having diverse classrooms helps develop tolerance and a greater sense of security when in environments with other foreign cultures present. The significance of diversity in the classroom takes its impetus directly from a historical context where many classrooms were not diverseeither by political fiat or teaching philosophybut its impact and its mission lies in promoting equity and positive outcomes for todays students. New America, The Representation of Social Groups in U. S. Educational Materials and Why it Matters, Contact an Enrollment Advisor at 202-807-6173, Copyright 2023 |American University| 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW | Washington, DC | 20016 |Privacy Policy. A story of eschewing their 'Blackness' - with greater or lessor reluctance - to succeed in a society that still values light skin. Diversity: the art of thinking independently together. It is the key to growth. This course is here to enlighten students of the differences of others and how to be sensitive to everyone's cultures and beliefs. The child becomes largely what it is taught; hence we must watch what we teach it, and how we live before it. My name is Diversity and yes I stand tall. I could write an entire post about this one poetry classic! Just When You Thought NYC Gifted & Talented 2021 Couldnt Get More Absurd. and despair But if you are interested in resources that could be used for teaching poetry, Ive got you covered with these tools: Filed Under: Book Ideas Tagged With: diversity teaching, diversitybooks, multicultural education, poetry, poetry books, poetry read alouds. 10. In the end, as any successful teacher will tell you, you can only teach the things that you are. Without diversity, life would be very boring. Exposing children to material which represents multiple viewpoints and perspectives. Time to ring in the new year? Plus, the images are gorgeous! they dont see in their halls, Another one of my favorite poetry books that also celebrates diversity is this cooking poem book. They can also help people to raise awareness of wider topics, if they feel they aren't getting represented equally. Connect with parents and thecommunity. 101 JFK Parkway | Short Hills, NJ | 07078 | (973) 921-5500, Protected: Classroom Talk-to-Text Project, must-share poems for middle school and high school, 40 Essential Poetry Books for Kids in Grades Pre-K12, Get This Free Staff Meeting Kit To Build SEL Skills in the Virtual Classroom. If embraced I can make the good even better. Having diversity in the classroom helps students . The poems below were each written by yours truly (when I went by the name Vivett Hemans, not Vivett Dukes,) very early in my teaching career. Support students in differing viewpoints. If we practice racism then it is racism we teach. Imagine reading about the pom da de de de dom pom of the steel drums and vivid descriptions of the island from a young girls perspective. First Girls in Little League Baseball by J. Patrick Lewis 4. Poetry isnt just for National Poetry Month and celebrating diversity isnt just for Black History Month. Black is as beautiful as soft as a newborn baby hair. your opportunities are less parents questions and concerns are the first step. - Maya Angelou I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stifled. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams. not to ostracize Writing a poem independently (15-25 min.) A Teacher Must Speak: Poetry of Diversity, NYC Teen Says: Those Who Benefit Most From the School System Are Those Who Are Lucky Enough Not To Need It, An NYC Schools Admissions Plan So Crazy It Just Might Work For Everyone, NYC Parents Wonder, If We Leave Now, Will Our Kids Be Allowed To Return To Their Public Schools Later?, The (Last Minute) Plans of Mice and Men and NYC Schools. She believes music, long walks and a good sense of humor are imperative in keeping ones sanity. Mary Ruefle. Either way, having an open dialogue will prove beneficial for you, students and parents. Diversity in the Classroom Delores Harris November,2013 "To keep the Golden Rule we must put ourselves in other people's places. Including diverse learning and teaching material is one way to bring diversity into the classroom. Diversity in the classroom teaches children to appreciate different perspectives which is a skill they will use the rest of their lives. Whether it is a drug-prevention or other health-promotion poster, or a poster of a family reading a book, educators can communicate acceptance without saying a word. A HUGE mistake so many teachers and schools make is celebrating diversity ONLY during February and teaching poetry ONLY in April. 21 Inspirational Quotes That Nelson Mandela Made About Education. These examples illustrate what a famous diversity poem looks like and its form, scheme, or style (where appropriate). 7 percent of US public school teachers identified as Black, whereas 15 percent of public elementary students identified as Black. . This will create wonderful memories and powerful hands-on learning with poetry, while also celebrating the Hispanic culture. Pleading for Thats what you get with this poetry book. Parents Tell All! - Stephen Covey. Diversity in the classroom may include: exceptionalities, culture, language, learning style and gender. 3. The following are just a few results from years of research and study into the value of including diversity teachings in the classroom. These are his actual poems! 10 Ways to Support Diversity in the Classroom Examine your teaching materials: This is a natural first step for anyone looking to focus more on teaching diversity in their classroom. Starting the conversation about bringing diversity into the classroom can be difficult because diversity can be voiced in many different ways, but schools are filled with diverse students and staff so the first step is to tap into those backgrounds to get started. So, it just makes a lot of good sense to treat everyone the same and treat them well. "Diversity encompasses many areas, such as gender, race, background, socioeconomic status, and even your abilities." Discover why cultural diversity in the classroom matters and how you can incorporate diversity into your K-12 lesson plans and activities. 4. #JustRollWithIt. Happy New Years A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone. 2. Download or Print this Graphic. But whatever our differences may be, we should remember that we are all human and we can find ways to coexist in a nurturing environment. Kicking off 2023 with a, I've been having a BLAST creating new learning res, Do teachers really need a Pinterest-perfect lookin, What's my #1 piece of advice to teachers when it c, New Christmas Book: I see it, I like, I want it, Feel the Beat: Dance Poems that Zing from Salsa to Swing by Marilyn Singer, Coconut Kind of Day: Island Poems by Lynn Joseph, while also celebrating the Hispanic culture, Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander, Engaging Poetry Activities for Upper Elementary Students, Step-by-Step Poetry Lesson Plans & Writing Units For Upper Elementary, It covers several types of cultural dances like salsa, hip-hop, and. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over 20 years. So having shorter poems allows me to work with them in a small group to analyze poetry more deeply. I hope you know that while your thus elevating stress! Bring on your rule breakers, your structure lovers, and your aspiring rappers! After all of my effort An easy and quick way to display diverse cultures in the classroom is to include bulletin boards and signage in a number of languages. The lesson went grossly awry when the class was watching the poets recite their poems via video. The first poem, "To My Students," was written as the result of a lesson I taught about diversity through the analysis of poetry in an affluent White district. Gloria Ladson-Billings, The Dreamkeepers, Jossey-Bass. like me, Certain groups of students do not receive the same educational opportunities and accommodations as their peers. However, there are professional development programs that have courses dedicated to teaching these concepts across all grade levels. It is not our differences that divide us. 2. *Pair this poem with the picture book THIS DAY IN JUNE by Gayle E. Pitman (Magination, 2014) and explore the details and diversity in the illustrations. 1. Itwas these two experiences that most assuredly informed where and whom I ultimately chose to teachor, should I say, who chose me to teach them. The Earth Under Sky Bear's Feet by Joseph Bruchac Celebrated Abenaki author Joseph Bruchac tells twelve striking stories-in-poems, all from the perspective of Sky Bear (also known as the Big Dipper), as Sky Bear takes in the natural beauty of Earth. Diversity in the classroom refers to differences in social identities. than everybody elses, Thank you!! Invite community leaders into your classroom; this will offer people from different backgrounds to inspire your students for their future goals. Diversity is everything that makes people different from each other. Diversity should be celebrated in order to help overcome stereotypes and encourage unity. NYC Cuts Gifted School Programs, Unveils New Approach Proven To Fail Poor & Minority Students Most, NYC Mom Pushes Back Against Coerced Consent COVID-19 Testing in Public Schools, NYC Parents & Teachers Reveal What Worked In Remote Learning and What You Should Demand For Your Child. that makes one think theyre better But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any. We need to open our eyes to the inequality that remains. We have everything you ever wanted to know about alliteration, simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, personification, repetition, as well as rhythm and rhyme . ALEX WILMOT-SITWELL Quotes about diversity in the classroom We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Maybe their zip code but without a doubt helped stretch their minds Some of my students dont have the stamina or skills to comprehend longer poems independently. To ease the distance between them while she's in jail, Mama begins sending Saya bedtime stories inspired by Haitian folklore on cassette tape. a life lived constantly Allowstudents to share their diverse stories with their classmates this will allow them to learn from each other and respect and honor the things that make them different. Some of the keys to learning to read are noticing Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume Into the sea of drudgery When it comes to education, diversity in the classroom is a phrase that refers to a broad range of ideas and initiatives to create learning environments that are safe, inclusive and equitable for as many identities as possible. Its fun and informative. One of my biggest concerns has always been not what I wanted to teach, but who I wanted to teach privileged White kids or underprivileged kids of color. Welcome poem for beginning of school. If you havent got the best talent youre not going to be the best, if youre not representing properly the available pool of talent then youre missing an opportunity. He runs NYC School Tech, a site where people can donate spare laptops and tablets to students in need. "Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.". Are LGBTQ People of Color Invisible in the LGBTQ Community? He was a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Young Rewired State Festival of Code. measures from every angle Ola Joseph, Diversity: the art of thinking independently together Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, We should all know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color. Students who learn to appreciate and support members of diverse groups as children can grow up to be strong leaders of diverse and inclusive communities. She makes snowflakes laugh, has onomatopoeia, and the title alone is great personification. There are so many wonderful things about this poetry book! in body in mind Diversity is required in our world otherwise where would choice be? Im swift. All Rights Reserved. Representation of these differences should not be a one and done lesson. By understanding your own cultural biases you can be more aware of your perspective and choices, and help other students do the same. 1. Students learn poetry PLUS they learn to embrace different ways to move from different regions. Unlimited Squirrels in I Lost My Tooth! The Butterfly Teacher, LLC 2023, 5 Ways Teachers Are Using Plickers Incorrectly in the Classroom, Teacher T-Shirts That Are Just Too Cute To Ignore . Gregory Wickham was a student at Stuyvesant High School. or maybe their degree ISLAMIC PROVERB When everyone is included, everyone wins. desiring I have to speak, Doomed to use stamps I always recommend this one for all poetry teaching, including National Poetry Month.