Diverse books are needed in todays classroom where children can see themselves as well as expose them to the values, viewpoints and historical legacies of others. Here are a few strategies to start diversifying your classroom. Celebrate it every day. Teachers by Kevin William Huff "Teachers paint their minds and guide their thoughts." 3. Unlimited Squirrels in I Lost My Tooth! When everyone is included, everyone wins. Marco Bizzarri My experience, my passion the authentic me, Learn about me; improve my underrepresentation. Here are five areas that are key to promoting better community relations in diverse and non-diverse classrooms alike. Certain groups of students do not receive the same educational opportunities and accommodations as their peers. At PoemSearcher.com find thousands of poems categorized into thousands of categories. An easy and quick way to display diverse cultures in the classroom is to include bulletin boards and signage in a number of languages. My favorite thing about this book is the figurative language used. Required fields are marked *. I believe that by reading other poets we can discover our own wonder. We learned a lot about educational inequity. A great place to start is Teaching Tolerance they have an abundance of resources including lessons, professional development, and publications for K-12 educators. Diversity is about embracing one anothers uniqueness. Maya Angelou. One example would be an acrostic poem. In that pursuit of learning, many teachers find themselves wondering, how can I create an inclusive and well-rounded curriculum? Teacher writing a poem in front of class (5-7 min.) Kwame Alexander writes beautiful books for kids and he is also a teacher! when its doomed. We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Your email address will not be published. By selecting short poems (less than a page long), students were able to read poems repeatedly and focus more intently on the new vocabulary. These poems highlight some of the differences and challenges that our students bring to our classroom community while teaching others acceptance of those differences.Your students come to you with different beliefs, backgrounds, challenges, and cultures. Start pursuing your goals in education with American University. Mohandas K. Ghandi, Diversity is not about how we differ. grant you a social edge SALE OVERBut this resource is still available. Diversity In Woman We all look so unique, We all look like art, We all look too hideous to be society's most favoured people, But we are always at the centre of an art gallery museum. Thats what you get with this poetry book. Campus climate has been an important theme. 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. Many community organizations host events throughout the calendar that celebrate different holidays, festivals or significant dates in other cultures. 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. Mini-lesson on features of poetry (5-10 min.) and can opt-out at any time. Exposing children to material which represents multiple viewpoints and perspectives. Several poems have themes and stanzas that make GREAT poetry discussions in class. This will create wonderful memories and powerful hands-on learning with poetry, while also celebrating the Hispanic culture. I hope you know that while your 3. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. 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. And to many, I reflect hope and inspiration. offers its 7,600 students an abundance of opportunities to explore their interests in and out of the classroom. All Rights Reserved. My name is Tanya G. Marshall also known as The Butterfly Teacher. Hang classroom posters or display other materials celebrating differences in family structure. It's about reading poems . Further Reading:The 3 Cs for Creating an Engaged and Positive Classroom Culture. when others blatantly rude, 2. He runs NYC School Tech, a site where people can donate spare laptops and tablets to students in need. It is not our differences that divide us. Diversity is not how we differ. Here are some of my favorite poetry books for middle and high school students. What are examples of diversity in the classroom? Dignity really means that I deserve the best treatment I can receive. You can use examples from history, from current events or from hypothetical scenarios, but using real instances that students can relate to can help improve their comprehension and understanding. During the Feb. 17 workshop titled "Writing from Life: Poetry as Story," Mukherjee used her own recently released poetry collection, Dialect of Distant Harbors, to explore how compelling poetry can blossom from life experiences. The course will address the variety of ways these selections can be introduced and used to address concepts and skills that meet assessable standards. Im the solution that came from the odd question that was asked. Dreams by Langston Hughes 5. Seems that ideology went However, there are professional development programs that have courses dedicated to teaching these concepts across all grade levels. Doomed to go to jail! their Es or their Is, Speaking of E The 3 Cs for Creating an Engaged and Positive Classroom Culture, 4 Successful Strategies to Increase Teacher Diversity, Engaging Students during the Long Winter Months, 5 REALISTIC Ways for Teachers to Get Healthier This Year. 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. Kwame Alexander, our poet-in-residence, loves power naps. Each poem is written in Tupacs own handwriting. If youre interested in an enriching career as an educator who embraces the mission of using diversity in the classroom as an educational opportunity, American Universitys Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and Online Master of Education (MEd) in Education Policy and Leadership programs may be a great next step for you. had helped them grow While you may already be teaching some aspects of a diverse or inclusive curriculum, there are probably also subjects that will naturally be best-fits for some refreshed material. 46 Diversity Poems ranked in order of popularity and relevancy. 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. We NEVER get paid to review products on this site. or maybe their degree Falling Asleep in Class by Kenn Nesbitt 6. A Black History childrens book for grades k-4. Differences must be integrated, not annihilated, not absorbed. Not that much has changed regarding diversity in education. Thesecond poem, Doomed, was written during one of the last classes I took in my undergraduate coursework in order to become a teacher. All of us in the academy and in the culture as a whole are called to renew our minds if we are to transform educational institutionsand society so that the way we live, teach, and work can reflect our joy in cultural diversity, our passion for justice, and our love of freedom. The poems featured above can be used anytime of the year. There has never been a more important time for teaching and promoting equality and diversity in Britain's classrooms. Western Governors University WGU. Erica Jabaliis a freelance writer and blogs over at ispyfabulous.com. When working and learning with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Without educational equity, academic success is significantly more difficult for some students. Keep the classroom stocked with a school supply wish list. According to findings synthesized by Brookings Institute in 2022, students who had a same-race teacher tended to experience educational benefits such as: Diversifying our educational system must therefore include increasing the representation of teachers who belong to different racial and ethnic communities. Kids can learn a lot about appreciating the differences that make us all unique. Just When You Thought NYC Gifted & Talented 2021 Couldnt Get More Absurd. Browse over 500+ educator courses and numerous certificates to enhance your curriculum and earn credit toward salary advancement. that block their Types of diversity that can be present in the classroom include: Diversity in the classroom is not limited to these examples. ~ Jacqueline Woodson 3. Diversity in the classroom is not limited to the student populationit includes teachers, too. These activities will help your students learn and appreciate differences in other people. The things that we share in our world are far more valuable that those which divide us. 1. Cultivating an inclusive classroom environment will encourage new connections between classmates (and between you and your students) and help engage students of all backgrounds in learning. in body . by Ren Saldaa from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), Time to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with this "Martin's Birthday" poem by Nikki Grimes, from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), Time to honor Native American Heritage Month (November) with this "Making Bread" poem by Debbie Reese, from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), Check out ALL the books in THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY series for hundreds of poems and activities on all kinds of subjects for students of all ages, Share the poem "Grandfather's Chopsticks" by Janet Wong along with the Take 5! so much more Promote diversity in the classroom with intention and continue to revisit your plans throughout the year. We Know Whats Best For Your Child: NYC Answers (Some) Parent Questions About Back To School 2021. This poetry books works well for older kids because they can learn poetic devices as well as learn the history of each poet presented. I want all the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. Maybe their zip code and learning to write poems or how to teach poetry. 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. Individual differences can be along the dimensions of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, age, status, physical abilities or other ideologies. We can convince ourselves to do things in conjunction with one another that we wouldnt have been able to do as an individual. Invite community leaders into your classroom; this will offer people from different backgrounds to inspire your students for their future goals. Our company needs to be something that every single employee at the company has a stake in. Chloe Pashman is education director of a CBO preschool in the Bronx. Connect with parents and thecommunity. your opportunities are less Or my passion may slowly leak We are parents, teachers, students and community members who are strong in our belief that all children, especially those historically underserved by the traditional system, have the right to attend excellent schools. Teaching diversity and inclusion can feel like an abstract concept. And here are some quotes to inspire you: "We need to resist the tyranny of low expectations. Likewise, a child can proudly affirm simply having two mothers or two fathers. 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. Assimilation, not diversity, is what makes people and society strong. With the right teaching tools, educators can foster diversity and inclusion for the next generation of students. My Teacher Wasn't Half As Nice As Yours Seems To Be by Roald Dahl Pleading for There are a handful of reputable online resources for educators looking to teach diversity in their classrooms in some form or fashion. I respect everything that you have written in this blog. They were borne out of two experiences I had as a teacher in two very different classroom environments. Spread the loveWe all have our heroes. Diversity in the classroom is a real and positive issue. What divides us pales in comparison to what unites us. Together theres no problem that we cant fix. This will require some self-reflection and can be a bit uncomfortable, but to teach diversity and inclusivity you must first assess where youre coming from or where students might be coming from. And that I have the responsibility to give the best treatment I can to other people. Some good diversity and inclusion quotes for work include: "Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.". measures from every angle Classroom poems are all about kids. Note that diversity is not only about visible differences. So, it just makes a lot of good sense to treat everyone the same and treat them well. Rock 'N' Roll Band by Shel Silverstein 2. Teaching Poetry in the Classroom wanting In some cases, I receive books to review free of charge. So you can make a bigger salary than other people? . Your students get to see beautiful diversity and beautiful poetic devices in this book. parents questions and concerns are the first step. Simply put, diversity is everything that makes people different from each other, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability or religious belief. Hair that never stops increasing, American classrooms are becoming more diverse every year,* which means cultural diversity in the classroom is becoming an increasingly important issue for educators throughout the education system. 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. Diversity of thought and culture and religion and ideas has become the strength of America. 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. 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. Check out these 25 classroom activitiy ideas to foster greater appreciation for diversity. - Malcolm Forbes. These are his actual poems! Students of color deserve to have the opportunity to learn from teachers who may share similar cultural experiences as them. they have an abundance of resources including lessons, professional development, and publications for K-12 educators. to be more sensitive, According to statistics from the National Center for Education, In 2015, 75% of the total enrollment in our nations public schools were from racial and ethnic minority groups. Plus, the images are gorgeous! "Happy Pride" by Lesla Newman from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS for Gay Pride Day, the last Sunday in June. This can lead to a lack of diversity in the workforce, barriers to social mobility, mental health issues, and increased poverty. Poetry has a powerful way of igniting a deeper understanding and appreciation for reading. Share Laughing" 2015 by Cynthia Grady from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong ( Pomelo Books, 2015), Share "Preparamos pan" based on Making Bread by Debbie Reese from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015), Time to eat? These are examples of famous Diversity poems written by some of the greatest and most-well-known modern and classical poets. Ask An Expert Assistive Technology Career Readiness Child Development Tech Classroom Management . We all should 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. Tupacs collection of poetry appeals to young, budding poets for so many reasons: Just in case youre wondering, these are not Tupacs rap lyrics just written in a book. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over 20 years. designed to keep you down Sharing and celebrating (10 min.) poems are a creative way to reflect on the many intersecting identities we all hold in the DU community. The plague of racism is insidious, entering into our minds as smoothly and quietly and invisibly as floating airborne microbes enter into our bodies to find lifelong purchase in our bloodstreams. Poetry isnt just for National Poetry Month and celebrating diversity isnt just for Black History Month. Third, learning about diversity and developing strategies for working productively with those who are different entails short- and long-term benefits for students. Diversity is about embracing one anothers uniqueness. Its tax season. If we had the imagination to do that. not. Along with the last three categories above, differences in learning styles, personality, mental health, and more are often present without being visible. Ive always said: smart teams will do amazing things, but truly diverse teams will do impossible things. Welcome me like the recruit fresh out of college. Immature I know Having a diverse classroom and having quality conversations about diversity can support mindfulness and tolerance in just about any student. It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. Diversity is the mix. You can easily turn this poetry book on diversity into a combined poetry and art project for older students. Several poems have themes and stanzas that make GREAT poetry discussions in class. Recognizing, fostering and developing sensitivity to the needs of people in various identity categories are primary aims of educational diversity.. and despair Creating these opportunities for kids helps them develop a global mindset. Diversity: the art of thinking independently together. They were borne out of two experiences I had as a teacher in two very different classroom environments. Including diverse learning and teaching material is one way to bring diversity into the classroom. in spirit, Finally, the poems' length was also a consideration. Start with the Inclusion Basics, which provides a great overview of creating an inclusive 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. And building a multi-cultural classroom environment has been shown to increase student engagement, motivation, and behavior. Writing Doomed was the vehicle I used to constructively express that pain. 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. Northern students, faculty, and community members will present poems in languages other than English. Alligator Pie by Dennis Lee 8. 4. written by Jessie Nagra and illustrated by Kurt Tammy Kersey is a childrens picture book author and founder Scot Ritchie is an award-winning illustrator and author with more Malcolm Harris has written two books, The Golden Crown, Judy Hilgemann has always lived in coastal British Columbia. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams. Then have an open mic session where students get up in front of the class and practice reading the stanzas from this poetry book. We have to understand that we will be able to eliminate various forms of discrimination only by building alliances across differences. During our introductory session, I limit the demonstration to sharing and discussing kids' poems. Explore the impact of diversity in education, why diversity matters for students, and how teachers can foster diverse and inclusive learning environments. Getting to know your students. A HUGE mistake so many teachers and schools make is celebrating diversity ONLY during February and teaching poetry ONLY in April. When such people with their differences in language, perception, and understanding come together in a classroom setting, we refer to it as diversity. "It's an accessible way for people to . Here are 100 Diversity and Inclusion Quotes to inspire a more robust company culture: 1. Yes, I just called her by her first name like we are already besties. Students may love that fact that Tupac rarely ever uses any punctuation in his poetry. simply because 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. 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. Life, so mean And at the heart of the challenge is to reconstitute our sense of ability and intelligence. Diversity means a combination of different social backgrounds, races, cultures, ethnicity, gender, religion, and different languages. 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. Second, working effectively with classroom diversity is critical to promoting educational equity and optimizing both access and outcomes. Series for 2023 Storytime Standouts All rights reserved. Your materials should include different nationalities, races, languages, abilities, socio . 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. to break down the walls Ignoring the increase in diversity is not a helpful response. Students should also learn to celebrate and respect people from cultures different from their own. deadly disease When one lives in a foreign country, one is confronted with different cultural traditions and daily routines, but one also learns to see the similarities in all human beings - whichever race, gender, religion or culture one belongs to - and one starts to . Over time, you'll be able to . Classroom Diversity on the Rise [<1.0 MB] Classroom Diversity on the Rise [<1.0 MB] Im invisible at times and yet all over the place. Gregory Wickham was a student at Stuyvesant High School. Longing for serenity . better.than. Terms of Use | Private Policies & Disclosures We attain unity only through variety. 5. By submitting you will receive emails from Hey Teach! There can be no substitute for actually engaging in contact with people who are different to us. Diversity is everything that makes people different from each other. "Giving Voice" also offers an Continue reading They might even inspire you to . First, todays teachers are likely to confront a range of different types of studentsstudents with different socioeconomic backgrounds, different learning abilities/disabilities, and different ethnic or religious identities. Our identities are intersectional and overlapping, and many aspects of our identities change over time. . . Black is as beautiful as soft as a newborn baby hair. Download or Print this Graphic. If you have questions or concerns about our policies, please do not hesitate to email for details. Removed from history! Time to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with this "Martin's Birthday" poem by Nikki Grimes, from THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR CELEBRATIONS edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong (Pomelo Books, 2015) Birthday Poems Shake Hands Cultural Diversity King Jr Martin Luther King School Ideas Celebrations Poetry Friday The topics range from politics to love to not giving up on your dreams. I'm present when two or more are together If embraced I can make the good even better. Promote diversity in the classroom with intention and continue to revisit your plans throughout the year. We know that diversity can sometimes be more uncomfortable because things are less familiar but it gets the best results. - Stephen Covey. fills them with clout Doomed to be fat! Everything I learned in that class troubled me. These short poems also served as a means for students to practice their pronunciation skills. Further Reading:4 Successful Strategies to Increase Teacher Diversity. and from every side ISLAMIC PROVERB When everyone is included, everyone wins. Brainstorming before independent writing (5 min.) Present visual diversity. These poems allow us to contemplate the many experiences that shape the way we move about the world by guiding us through a sensory journey of some of our most memorable and influential moments in life. Use these types of poems in your own classrooma cinquain, haiku, or shape poem are a few types of poetry that elementary students can create in the World Language classroom. Inclusion is making the mix work. Without diversity, life would be very boring. Schools are an important part of the community and should reflectand celebrate the diversity within the community. Doomed to use stamps Higher Education: Community College and Beyond, Infusing Art in the 21st Century Classroom, Learning and Teaching in a K-12 Digital Classroom, Project READ for DoDEA / International School Educators, Read, Empower, Act, Discover (R.E.A.D) Part 1, Read, Empower, Act, Discover (R.E.A.D) Part 2, Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity in the Classroom Series, Global Leadership Summer Program for Teens, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), USD Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, Real Estate Finance, Investments and Development Certificate, Fundamentals of Search Engine Optimization and Marketing Analytics, Data Analytics and Visualization Certificate, Bullying Prevention in our Schools Certificate, Character Education Development Certificate, Coaching Todays Student Athletes Certificate, Effective Classroom Management Solutions Certificate, Restorative Justice Facilitation & Leadership, STEAM Teaching for Tomorrows Innovators Certificate, Electronic Health Records MEDITECH Systems Certificate, English Language Academys On-Campus Courses, English Language Academys Online Courses, students work better in a diverse environment, Resources for Multicultural Classrooms (Teaching Tolerance), Resources for Multiculturalism and Diversity, Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity in the Classroom series, Empowering Educators Through Cultural Competence.