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Each back-to-school season looks a little bit different. Some years, teachers are preparing for teaching a new grade. Other years, teachers are adjusting to teaching during a pandemic. Even with differences, there are many similarities. This may be working to establish a positive classroom climate and implementing engaging lesson plans. A large focus has been placed on starting the year learning self-identity. It is vital that students learn to be true to who they are while accepting others. Teachers are not only teaching content but showing students how to value differences within people.
What is Cultural Identity?
Cultural identity means a person identifies and feels a sense of belonging to a certain group. This may be based on several cultural categories, such as nationality, race, religion, gender, and ethnicity. Since every person is unique, cultural identity can be complex. However, it is important that every person feels included and accepted.
Cultural Identity and Acceptance
In order to teach cultural identity and acceptance, it needs to start at the beginning of the school year. Students need to know from day one that everyone is welcome and respected.
- Building Empathy and Open-Mindedness
When cultural identity and acceptance are taught in the classroom, students learn about empathizing with people who are different from themselves. This may be due to several reasons, such as differences in race, religion, or ethnicity. Most importantly, students learn that the world consists of diverse cultures and everyone deserves to be accepted. When students learn this, they can be open-minded to meeting new people. Now, students will go through life without developing any prejudices and stereotypes about different cultures.
- Improving Confidence and Comfort
When students learn about cultural identity and acceptance, they can feel comfortable being who they are. Thus, students can be proud of themselves and not feel they need to lie or hide the truth. Furthermore, when students develop confidence at a young age, they will be comfortable with anyone regardless of cultural identity.
- Preparing for a Diverse Community and Workplace
School is all about preparing students for life. This means that students will graduate and go on to the workplace. However, each workplace and community can consist of people with different cultures. Therefore, it is vital to expose students to cultural awareness while in the safety of their classroom. By doing this, students will enter the community and workforce with an open mind and a welcoming heart.
Ways to Teach Cultural Identity
Cultural identity may be a complex topic for students to learn, but it is so important. It not only impacts the classroom but the entire community. Additionally, it is a topic that will impact students for their entire lives.
- Read Alouds and Picture Book Units
Books are absolutely magical. They allow students to be engaged, learn about different topics, and see more of the world. Truly, books can take people anywhere they want to go. Therefore, they are great to incorporate when teaching life lessons. For instance, The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson is the perfect back-to-school picture book. With this story, students will be reminded how everyone feels like an outsider at some point. However, no matter the difference, it is important to be brave and continue on. Friendships and feelings of acceptance can blossom during the most unexpected times. There is even a Book Unit on The Day You Begin ready to go! It is filled with so much content, including character traits and vocabulary.
- Include Cultural Identity into Lessons
Unfortunately, students may not be growing up in households that address and support diversity. Or, they are growing up in households whose family constantly feels judged and defeated. Thus, it is imperative to include cultural identity into lessons. This involves helping students learn how to talk about other cultures in respectful ways. Furthermore, it involves incorporating cultures that may not be the background of the specific students in the classroom. Students meet so many people outside of school, so it is important to broaden the perspective of lessons. This may be a great time to bring in guest speakers and help students understand real-life examples of cultural awareness.
- Respect Every Culture
Going into the year, you may not know your class makeup. For instance, you may not know the religions or ethnicities of your students. Therefore, talk to students from day one to learn about them. A great way to do this involves asking which holidays they celebrate at home. Then, be sure to respect every culture within the classroom. This may involve students researching and presenting on different backgrounds. Additionally, it involves allowing students to celebrate who they are and what they believe in. For instance, not every student celebrates Christmas. Thus, make sure to acknowledge Hanukkah as well.
While each school year looks different, there are a few constants. From building relationships to planning high-quality lessons, teachers strive to focus on students. Due to this, it is essential to teach cultural identity and acceptance from the start of the school year. In order for students to learn, they need to know they are in a safe place and can be true to themselves.
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