Teachers
Parents
Day 1: Introduction to Diversity and Inclusivity
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Understanding Diversity and Inclusivity: Activities that highlight the importance of diversity and teach students about different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives. This can include cultural exchange days, storytelling sessions featuring diverse characters, and discussions about famous individuals who have overcome prejudice.
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Empathy Building: Use role-playing scenarios where students must put themselves in someone else's shoes, experiencing how it feels to be bullied or marginalized.
Morning Session: Introduction and Discussion
Activity
Ice-breaker game that showcases the diversity within the classroom.
1. Cultural Bingo
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Objective: To find classmates who have experienced or are familiar with various cultural practices, foods, languages, or traditions.
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How to Play: Each student receives a bingo card filled with statements like "Has tried sushi," "Speaks two languages," or "Has celebrated Diwali." Students mingle to find classmates who can sign off on these experiences. The first to get five in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) wins.
2. The Name Story
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Objective: To share the story or meaning behind their names, emphasizing cultural significance and personal history.
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How to Play: Going around the room, each student shares the origin, meaning, or a story associated with their name. This can include who named them, if their name has a particular meaning in their culture or family, or if there's an interesting story related to their name.
3. World Map Connections
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Objective: To visually represent and share the diverse geographic backgrounds and connections of students in the classroom.
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How to Play:
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Place a large world map on the wall. Give students stickers or pins to mark:
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Where they, their parents, or their grandparents were born.
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Places they have lived or visited.
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A place they feel connected to culturally. After everyone has placed their markers, students can share stories about one of the places they marked, highlighting the diversity of experiences within the class.
4. "If You Really Knew Me" Circle
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Objective: To foster deeper understanding and empathy by sharing personal stories and experiences.
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How to Play: Sitting in a circle, each student takes a turn to complete the sentence "If you really knew me, you would know..." This prompt encourages students to share something personal, whether it's related to their culture, family, challenges they've faced, or their dreams. This activity should be conducted in a respectful and supportive environment to build trust.
5. Cultural Artifact Show and Tell
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Objective: To allow students to share and learn about different cultures through tangible objects.
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How to Play: Invite students to bring an item to class that represents their culture or family heritage. This could be a piece of clothing, a photograph, a traditional tool, a book, or even a musical instrument. Each student presents their item, explaining its significance and how it represents their culture or personal history.
"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz A coming-of-age story about two Mexican-American boys discovering friendship, love, and theiridentity in the 1980s Texas.
Science Fiction & Fantasy
"Children of Blood and Bone" by Tomi Adeyemi Set in a West African-inspired fantasy world, this novel tackles themes of oppression and resistance, weaving magic and mythology into its narrative.
"The Fifth Season" by N.K. Jemisin
The first book in The Broken Earth trilogy, featuring a post-apocalyptic world with a complex social hierarchy and characters who possess the ability to control earthquakes.
Non-Fiction
"Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah
A memoir by the South African comedian, focusing on growing up in apartheid South Africa as the son of a Black mother and a White father, offering insights into race, identity, and resilience.
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama
The former First Lady of the United States shares her personal journey, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work.
Graphic Novels
"Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi
An autobiographical graphic novel that depicts the author's childhood and early adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution.
Discussion
What is diversity? Why is inclusivity important?
Discussion Guide: Understanding Diversity and the Importance of Inclusivity
This guide is designed to facilitate a thoughtful and engaging discussion among teachers and students about diversity and inclusivity. The aim is to foster an understanding of these concepts and why they are crucial in educational settings and beyond.
Introduction to the Discussion:
The facilitator (teacher) starts the discussion by introducing the topic and its relevance. They could say something like, "Today, we're going to talk about diversity and inclusivity, two important concepts that impact our lives in many ways. We'll explore what these terms mean and why they're important for our classroom, our community, and the wider world."
Part 1: Understanding Diversity
1. What is Diversity?
- Discussion Points:
- Diversity includes the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs.
- Diversity is not limited to inherent traits but includes life experiences, languages spoken, cultural background, and more.
2. Examples of Diversity-
Activity:
- The facilitator asks students to briefly share examples of diversity they observe in their daily lives or in the media. This could be in terms of cultural festivals, food, music, literature, or personal experiences.
- Highlight the idea that diversity is everywhere and enriches our experiences.
Part 2: Exploring Inclusivity
1. What is Inclusivity?
- Discussion Points:
- Inclusivity is about creating environments where any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people.
- It's about ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, which is essential for fairness and progress.
2. Why is Inclusivity Important?
- Discussion Points:
- Promotes a sense of belonging and improves confidence among all members of a community.
- Encourages more diverse perspectives, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving.
- Reflects real-world demographics, preparing students for the global workforce and society.
- Reduces prejudices and discrimination through understanding and acceptance.
Part 3: Discussion and Reflection
1. The Relationship Between Diversity and Inclusivity
- Discussion Points:
- While diversity is about recognizing the differences, inclusivity is about bringing these differences together and making sure everyone feels valued and included.
- Discuss how a diverse environment without inclusivity might feel for individuals who are marginalized or underrepresented.
2. How Can We Promote Inclusivity in Our Classroom/School?
- Activity:
- Divide students into small groups and ask them to come up with practical ideas or initiatives that could make their classroom or school more inclusive.
- Share and discuss these ideas as a larger group, considering how they could be implemented.
3. Personal Reflection:
- Prompt:
- Ask each student to reflect on a time when they felt excluded or included and to think about how that experience impacted them. Encourage volunteers to share their reflections with the class.
Closing the Discussion:
Wrap up by summarizing key points discussed and emphasizing the value of diversity and inclusivity in building a more equitable and harmonious society. Encourage students to carry forward the principles of inclusivity and respect for diversity in their daily lives and interactions.
This discussion can be a powerful tool in developing empathy, respect, and understanding among students, fostering a classroom culture that values and celebrates differences.
Afternoon Session: Cultural Exchange Day
Activity
Students bring an item from their culture or a culture they admire to share with the class.
For the activity where students bring an item from their culture or a culture they admire to share with the class, here are examples of items that could represent various cultures:
1. Traditional Clothing
- A kimono from Japan.
- A sari from India.
- A kilt from Scotland.
- A sombrero from Mexico.
- A dashiki from West Africa.
2.Musical Instruments:
- A djembe drum from West Africa.
- A didgeridoo from Indigenous Australian cultures.
- A balalaika from Russia.
- A ukulele from Hawaii.
- Bagpipes from Scotland.
3. Culinary Items:
- A mortar and pestle used in various cuisines like Thai or Mexican to grind spices.
- A bamboo steamer used in Chinese cooking.
- A dolsot bowl used in Korean cuisine to make dishes like bibimbap.
- A tagine pot from North African culture.
- A samovar from Russia for brewing tea.
4. Art and Craftwork:
- A Native American dreamcatcher.
- A Chinese calligraphy set.
- A Batik cloth from Indonesia or Malaysia.
- A Russian Matryoshka doll.
- A Maori carved wooden sculpture from New Zealand.
5. Literary Works:
- A collection of traditional fairy tales or poems from their culture.
- A famous novel or a book of folklore that is significant in the culture they admire.
6. Games and Sports:
- A cricket ball from England or any Commonwealth country where cricket is popular.
- A Go board or Chess set, representing Chinese and global intellectual cultures, respectively.
- A soccer ball, as soccer (football) is deeply ingrained in cultures around the world.
7. Religious or Spiritual Symbols:
- A menorah from Jewish culture.
- A rosary from Christian tradition.
- A miniature Buddha statue from Buddhist culture.
- A Quran or a Bible, representing Islamic and Christian texts.
8. Festive Decorations:
- A Diwali lamp from India.
- A Cascarón, or decorated eggshell, from Mexican Easter traditions.
- A Christmas ornament from Western cultures.
- A Kwanzaa candleholder, or kinara.
9. Personal or Family Items:
- Family photographs showcasing cultural attire or celebrations.
- A recipe book containing family recipes passed down through generations.
10. Currency or Stamps:
- Coins or banknotes featuring iconic figures or historical landmarks of a country.
- Stamps that have cultural significance or depict important events.
Each of these items can act as a conversation starter, allowing the student to explain the significance of the item, how it's used, and what it represents about the culture it comes from. This activity can serve as a valuable educational experience that fosters appreciation for cultural diversity and inclusivity.
Discussion
How do these items represent different cultures? What have we learned about these cultures?
When facilitating a classroom discussion around the cultural items students have brought in, the discussion can be framed around two central questions: "How do these items represent different cultures?" and "What have we learned about these cultures?" Below are potential points to guide the conversation.
How do these items represent different cultures?
1. Cultural Significance and Symbolism:
- Discuss how each item might hold symbolic meaning within a culture. For example, a dreamcatcher's design in Native American cultures is not just artistic but has a purpose and a story behind it.
2. Usage and Functionality:
- Talk about the practical use of the items in daily life or special occasions, like how a mortar and pestle is used in traditional cooking or how a djembe drum is central to certain musical performances.
3. Artistic Expression and Craftsmanship:
- Explore the craftsmanship that goes into making each item, such as the intricate folding of a Japanese kimono or the detailed painting on a Russian Matryoshka doll.
4. Cultural Identity and Pride:
- Reflect on how these items may be a source of pride and a way for individuals to connect with and express their cultural identity.
5. History and Evolution:
- Consider the historical context of each item. How has it evolved over time? How does it connect the past with the present in these cultures?
What have we learned about these cultures?
1. Diversity in Values and Beliefs:
- Identify what values and beliefs might be inferred from these items. For example, the community aspect in a shared tea ceremony using a samovar or the importance of family and heritage shown through a collection of family recipes.
2. Commonalities Across Cultures:
- Recognize common threads, such as the universal use of music (instruments), clothing (for protection, modesty, and celebration), and food (for sustenance and socializing).
3. Innovation and Adaptation:
- Observe how different cultures innovate and adapt to their environment, which can be seen in the design of clothing suitable for the climate of the region, or cooking utensils designed to prepare local ingredients.
4. Cultural Exchange and Influence:
- Discuss how cultural items can be a medium of exchange and influence, such as how spices were traded and how they influenced global cuisines.
5. Respect and Recognition:
- Talk about the importance of respecting cultural artifacts and understanding their significance, which can help avoid cultural appropriation and ensure cultural heritage is honored and preserved.
Encouraging Personal Reflection:
Encourage students to reflect on how this activity might change their perception of other cultures and the importance of cultural diversity. Ask them to consider:
- What emotions or new thoughts did they experience while learning about these items?
- How might this understanding impact their interactions with people from these cultures?
- How does recognizing and appreciating these differences enrich their own lives and the classroom environment?
The conversation can conclude by acknowledging that while each item is a representation of a culture, it only provides a glimpse into the complexity and richness of that culture. Encourage students to remain curious, to continue learning, and to appreciate the diversity that surrounds them.
