As an educator, you know that promoting diversity and inclusion in the classroom is one of the most important pieces of creating a welcoming and supportive school community and learning environment. By embracing diversity, you help foster empathy, understanding, and belonging for all students. Consider these 3 simple ways to help you teach diversity in the classroom this year!
Why Teaching Diversity in the Classroom is Important
A classroom that understands and appreciates diversity is a space where empathy reigns and children feel valued. When students experience this sense of belonging, they are more likely to engage in their personal learning and invest in peer relationships.
Teaching diversity in the classroom helps students become culturally competent and value equity and inclusion.
This type of environment will become a community that feels more like a supportive and loving family than just a random compilation of peers.
Examples of a Diverse Classroom
A diverse classroom incorporates inclusive learning materials while teaching all standards. It is also a place where different cultures are valued and celebrated.
Collaborative projects, guest speakers, and multicultural celebrations can be used to bring awareness to different cultures and backgrounds.
3 Ways to Teach Diversity in the Classroom
Teaching diversity in the classroom is really as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Get to Know Your Students
The most important way to teach diversity in the classroom is by getting to know your students. Spend time getting to know what makes each of them unique. Ask questions and play open-ended games to promote discussion and build classroom community.
Showing your students that you are genuinely interested in their lives and backgrounds will help them begin to trust you and feel valued in your classroom.
2. Use Low-Prep Resources
Next, use low-prep resources to help you promote diversity while keeping things easy on yourself and interesting for your students.
Encourage diversity and acceptance as you use this digital resource about diverse families. Your students will be introduced to a variety of races and cultures with different dynamics, structures, and traditions.
It includes:
- Digital learning options through PowerPoint Presentation and Google Slides
- Handouts
- Activities
- Discussion cards
- Classroom posters
*It includes printable options too!
You can also use this FREE diversity resource to help students reflect on diversity, tolerance, differences, and acceptance as they practice writing skills.
3. Incorporate Diverse Books & Videos
Finally, incorporate diverse children’s books and videos to help students relate and stay engaged in learning!
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The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates
“The umbrella loves to gather people in,” describes Amy June Bates. One by one, people gather under a smiling, red umbrella. The big umbrella has room for everyone. When more people join, the umbrella literally gets bigger and bigger to shelter people from the storm. This mighty umbrella has an important message to share: there is always room for kindness.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
In All Are Welcome, we visit a wonderful classroom community. We see children sharing their cultures, stories, and special talents. Children love spending time together. Best of all, students are excited to return the next day because school is a place where everyone can learn, play, and have fun. School is a place where everyone is accepted!
My Friends and Me: A Celebration of Different Kinds of Families by Stephanie Stansbie
Jamie has a lot of friends—a lot of friends with different kinds of families. Kate has two dads. Olivia has two moms. And Jade has her very own butler! But no matter what the families look like, the love they feel for each other is all the same.
Meeting Mimi by Francie Dolan
Meet Mimi, the school’s new student. She has many different interests and qualities. She also uses a walker to move. In Meeting Mimi, Mimi’s new classmates ask her questions about her different abilities. Students learn more about children with different abilities and how they can welcome them to the school community.
Video: Celebrate Our Diversity
This 30-minute video by ThinkTVPBS uses many kid-friendly examples (like bicycles and popsicles!) to help young students understand the meaning of diversity. Students learn that they don’t need to be afraid of people’s differences.
This video includes a read-aloud, yoga, music, and a finger puppet craft to keep students engaged and help them truly understand this important topic!
Teaching diversity in the classroom is a continuous but rewarding process! Your role is pivotal in guiding and supporting students as they begin to understand and accept the differences around them. By promoting inclusive environments, using low-prep resources, and incorporating engaging books and videos, you can create a more welcoming and equitable education experience for all students!
You might also be interested in reading:
Children's Books about Divorce and Family Separation
Top 11 Favorite Children's Books about Safety
You might also be interested in these products:
Walk in My DIVERSE Shoes - Empathy Activity
Acceptance - Character Education Social Emotional Learning Activities
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum - Social Awareness
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