multicultural action plan

Creating an open classroom may seem idealistic to some people, but I believe it is the path towards creating better students and citizens. Many people go about their daily lives in ignorance about other cultures while trying to deal with their own issues. I understand this, but in the schools it is not an excuse. I will be teaching students from all different backgrounds and I aim to make their backgrounds become valuable tools in the classroom. Student’s personal cultural experiences will be integral parts of the learning experience as I will help students understand that each person’s life experiences change and shape their way of thinking. I will accept students of all cultural backgrounds in my class and I will create an atmosphere of respect and empathy to all. I hope to get students to break down barriers of communication that exist for many people including adults. Having open conversations about controversial issues will help my students open up new avenues of thinking in their developing minds.

1. I will have students participate in journal writing sessions not only about the curriculum, but about what is going on with them.
2. Students will be introduced to communication exercises where they will have to hone their listening skills.
3. Students will understand that there are no stupid questions and that not everyone is able to make connections on the same level.
4. I will share personal experiences where I have dealt with culture clash and how I responded to those situations. Being honest with students is a hard thing for teachers, but I feel that showing my human side will allow students to realize that I care.
5. I will post various posters and quotes around the room promoting acceptance and hard work for all students.
6. I will make an attempt to connect each lesson to something that students can relate to, history can be extremely boring to students who have no way to connect to the material.
7. A major component of Social Studies should be the ability to ask good questions and I will help develop my student’s abilities to ask quality questions.
8. I will confront issues with my classes when they occur. I am not going to sugar-coat things for my students; they are still developing, but will be adults as soon as they exit high school.
9. I will make it known to my students that no one is perfect and everyone has flaws and issues that are valid and are not easy to deal with.
10. I will make myself known as an ally to students of all cultural backgrounds and sexual identities.