Small endeavors such as working together as a whole group to determine classroom expectations helps to establish cohesion and offers opportunity for varied perspectives to be presented. Inviting student news each morning or engaging in a routine sharing circle reinforces that every learner is valued and respected and demonstrates that each person has an equal voice.
Making individuality visible by having photos of each learner prominently placed within the room, creating self portraits, and including name cards on the word wall are among the first steps in fostering an inclusive and culturally attuned classroom.
When we nurture personal connections with each student by learning their stories, listening to their words and noticing their non-verbal cues, we gain a strong sense of what matters to each child. By prioritizing our time to build relationships, we begin to unearth each child’s personal identity, including their social, emotional and academic learning potential.
Relationships are at the heart of a positive, compassionate and culturally responsive learning space. Trusting relationships provide the invaluable opportunity to nurture equity, empowerment, and inclusion through our work with children and families.
