#caedchat is for California educators, by California educators. All are welcome as moderators and participants discuss issues that emerge in California education, which are generally applicable to other regions of the United States.
Thank you for joining #caedchat tonight. The topic is "Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms". It is being moderated by @MsbatistaL and her guest @efraintovarjr
#caedchat tip: Use TweetDeck and have two columns open for the chat: one for real time and one for where you are in the chat.
To participate in the chat, be sure to use the #caedchat hashtag on every tweet.
Hi Karla, I believe I met you at #EdCampYosemite. I think we were in the same room with @jcorippo when he was breaking down a curve, it was a small group. #caedchat
A1: I think building class community is so important those first few days. It sets the tone for the rest of the year. I do a lot of icebreakers, and am always looking for good ideas. #caedchat
A:1 Because it is our moral imperative to ensure equity for all. A key to doing just that is creating a culture of inclusivity. Everyone must feel welcome. Everyone’s story should be heard #caedchat
A1: many strategies are useful, but I would likely want to focus on teacher engagement in authentic dialogue as an approach or philosophy behind any strategy — we must be real because kids know when you’re leading them down a predetermined path #caedchat
a1) My strategy at the begining of the year is to keep the children I know have not been successful (behavior issues) and work with them after school on projects like 3D, VR, tech, etc. Then use these kids as leaders to spread the knowledge in class. #caedchat
A1 it may be hard to deliver that message at first, but we can do subtle things with images or posters on our walls that will let our Ss know that we welcome everyone #caedchat
A1 truthfully I don’t really do anything specific targeting this goal. I share my life experiences as much as possible, we read culturally diverse books, share Ss life experiences. my school has a unique culture being the US Navy. #caedchat
Yup, even when we are talking about democratic and collaborative processes we can manipulate the talking patterns to remain in control of the topic. Research shows it builds resentment in kids. #caedchat
A1 #caedchat to close achievement gaps Ss must have opportunities to display their strengths and Ts must leverage them. When we do not address the various cultures in a class it can limit Ss confidence level and hinder their performance. We use circles to learn more about Ss.
A1: I enjoy a simple getting to know you "postcard" Ss create a collage of a images to show "where they have been" in their lives. They are then posted on the back wall. It raises the interest of their classmates and gives me all kinds help forming relationships #caedchat
Q2: Our names are our identities, students feel valued and acknowledged when teachers take the time to learn their names.
What are some activities you can do so all students feel heard? #caedchat
A1: Getting to know you & relationship building activities really matter. One of my favorites is to ask each child to bring in one “artifact” from home that will teach us about them, their families, and their culture. They sketch them as “finds” & share-out about them. #caedchat
I'm doing this digitally this year! They record an intro video about themselves sharing five artifacts that represent who they are and where they've been. #caedchat
A2: It’s really important that every student feel valued and knows that they have something worthwhile to contribute. You can use something really simple like equity sticks to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to share what they think. #caedchat
A2: Provide multiple mediums for student voice. Each voice needs a platform, and that includes the introverts who are perfectly comfortable being introverted! #caedchat
A2 I have lots of conditioning and team building/engineering challenges the first few weeks so I’m not in front of class talking but mingling w/ Ss. My team gets together and quizzes each other with photos. #caedchat
A2: Here is a great video that I share with teachers. I agree that learning how to pronounce our student’s names matters a lot. https://t.co/aFDk1To2pg#caedchat
A2) We need to be meaninful about collaborative conversations and how children interact in the classroom. After activities jot down how many kids interacted and spoke. Look at who you chose. If its always the same kids its not working #caedchat
A2: So all Ss feel heard, I'm trying to incorporate more #studentchoice into the what & how Ss learn during a lesson. As far as names, I try to use a name when directly speaking to a student. My goal is more 1:1 time with Ss, so that should be easy I hope! #caedchat
A2: @nearpod is a great tool to allow students to have a voice multiple ways. Drawing, audio, text, and all answers are anonymous so shy students can express themselves without being scared! #caedchat
#caedchat A2 I would encourage lots of accountability talk where Ts and Ss use each others name to respond to each other or piggyback off of others responses. Ss engagement goes up when they hear their name.
A2: Ask each student to write down their favorite meal which reminds them of family. Discuss the recipes and challenges making each. Make a recipe book for the class. #caedchat
A2: Kate Kinsella has several communication protocols (similar to Kagan’s) that ensure every child speaks & can be heard. Morning meetings also provide daily opportunities to be seen & heard. Learning kids names *is* very important also to show kids they matter. #caedchat
Q2: Our names are our identities, students feel valued and acknowledged when teachers take the time to learn their names.
What are some activities you can do so all students feel heard? #caedchat
A2. Allow for open ended questions where they receive credit for writing not opinions. Be clear about no consequences is they meet the Lang arts stds. #caedchat
Q2: Our names are our identities, students feel valued and acknowledged when teachers take the time to learn their names.
What are some activities you can do so all students feel heard? #caedchat
one of my colleague wears a regular piece of yarn with her students names on clothespins.Each one has a heart, its adorable. Ss say they're close to her heart #caedchat
I love Kagan as well. My big thing is peer teaching because it exposes kids to multiple pedagogies, immediate feedback, and authentic collaboration #caedchat
A2: @Flipgrid is an awesome tool to engage all Ss. By recording their own names, it always their peers and teachers to hear how they pronounce their names correctly! You can even have parents send you their version. #caedchat
How do teachers personal histories, beliefs or every day practices shape our own beliefs about creating a culturally inclusive setting? Is it important for educators to evaluate their own beliefs to better understand their behaviors about diversity in the classroom? #caedchat
Books like #listeningleader would say we need to address and validate those feelings. Ss will feel that pain regardless but not allowing them to deal w/ it could cause even more anxiety for them. Its a teachable moment for everybody on perspective. #caedchat
I’m thinking about using @Flipgrid to have the kids record a video for their parents that talks about their goals for the year and how their parents can help them reach those goals to use at BTSN. #caedchat
A2: @Flipgrid is an awesome tool to engage all Ss. By recording their own names, it always their peers and teachers to hear how they pronounce their names correctly! You can even have parents send you their version. #caedchat
A3) Our story is important, no doubt. However, the most important piece is how we will create a new story with our students. What story will our children say when they go home? In two years? #caedchat
yes, I do it and I teach kinder. It builds trust, community and of course communication. Ss see how they are influential in everyone's learning #caedchat
In reply to
@ELAwithMrs_J, @EddiesClass, @efraintovarjr
A2: #caedchat Ss tell me their names each time I call on them early in the year so I can hear the pronunciation. To build a bridge, I offer the story of my daughter's name, it's origin and why it should be pronounced correctly. Names shouldn't be changed for the classroom.
A3: I highly recommend that everyone checks out the many books by @RBLindsey41 and @DrDBL . Their “inside out” approach to engaging in our own personal cultural proficiency journey was life changing for me #caedchat
Students LOVE it when you know their name, it validates who they are and lets them know they matter, that they belong, that they're special. Try the name-chain game: https://t.co/7dLw0cjIH0
I’m going to make a google quiz about me for the kids. Then I’m going to have them make one about themselves for me and other students to do. #caedchat
I work hard to try to be as inclusive as I can be and also honest about questions I have and that I want to learn and be better. It’s a vulnerable position but important for kids to see #caedchat
How do teachers personal histories, beliefs or every day practices shape our own beliefs about creating a culturally inclusive setting? Is it important for educators to evaluate their own beliefs to better understand their behaviors about diversity in the classroom? #caedchat
#caedchat A3 It is important, culture changes over time. Our implicit biases on what academic success is may not jive w/ a Ss or Ps idea of success. By tapping into Ss we Ts xan show them they have their best interest in mind.
Yes! At least twice a week that’s what my morning meetings look like! They also make up handshakes, share favorite songs & cultural traditions! #caedchat
A3: I think it’s really important 4 Ts to think about what they say & do & about how it could affect those around them. It’s important to find out as much as you can about your Ss & their circumstances to avoid doing or saying something that might make them feel uncomfortable.
A3: our views our partly shaped by our histories. Best advice is to have a trusted colleague gently point out any unconscious biases that may surface #caedchat
I’m going to make a google quiz about me for the kids. Then I’m going to have them make one about themselves for me and other students to do. #caedchat
#caedchat A3 It is important, culture changes over time. Our implicit biases on what academic success is may not jive w/ a Ss or Ps idea of success. By tapping into Ss we Ts can show them they have their best interest in mind.
A3: We all have biases. We need to know them and recognize when they may be negatively impacting our ability to develop relationships and may impede our Ss ability to access content. #beliefsystems#highexpectationsforall#caedchat
A3: One possible method would be to ask the students to write down suggestions on paper. Let them be leaders of the cultural inclusion process. #caedchat
A3) Fortunate to have a wonderful childhood w/ a diversity, did not face as many obstacles as my parents, had a rich university experience as an ethnic studies major & volunteering in Berkeley pubschools. I had a strong sense of self & beliefs when I started 25 yrs ago #caedchat
I love this I am so bad with names. I try all kinds of things and remember details better (students are one day a week). Thanks will try this. #caedchat
Students LOVE it when you know their name, it validates who they are and lets them know they matter, that they belong, that they're special. Try the name-chain game: https://t.co/7dLw0cjIH0
A3: #caedchat We should always be reflective of our cultural assumptions especially when our experiences are not the same as our Ss. I'd take it a step further, we should tactfully challenge the culturally biased beliefs of colleagues if they come up in a discussion.
A3 I try to keep learning more about my perspective and where it comes from. Lately the whole “white privilege” discussions have really got me thinking #caedchat
A3: I love Hamlet. I’ve read it 50 times. I love teaching it. Each year I continue building a diverse collection of books and plays to read in dialogue with Hamlet. This gets us closer to the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Maybe some say ditch Hamlet. #caedchat
Yes, our discourse as Ts about Ss is paramount. It can be uplifting or toxic by creating even more biases to overcome...and in education we dont have time for that. #caedchat
A3: This may be controversial, but I don’t believe that a teacher’s awareness of their own culture helps battle racism, bias, cultural appropriation, etc. Instead, challenge a teacher to teach the bio of an important person from black history or a civil rights activist! #caedchat
A4: One of the things we did in our school was to have an annual multicultural festival. Everyone was invited to participate and share food, customs, songs and dances. We even had a Google map that showed where Ts and Ss came from and where their families originated. #caedchat
A4: Its easy, the only thing we truly have in common is that we are ALL different. That being said the more we share the more we are able to see our similarities and enjoy our differences #caedchat
A4: I think we, as teachers, must always be observant and active seekers of opportunities to encourage cultural acceptance. Connecting with other cultures through global collaboration, using diverse literature, and more. #caedchat
A4: build culture bridges by listening with curiosity, validating differences, and move away from acceptance to appreciation (if you are really brave, move to love.) #caedchat
I had an experience that really woke me up. I realized that a first generation student has been asking me questions about a problem they were having, and I thought I had resolved it. I didn’t realize we were talking past each other with very different experiences #caedchat
A3: This may be controversial, but I don’t believe that a teacher’s awareness of their own culture helps battle racism, bias, cultural appropriation, etc. Instead, challenge a teacher to teach the bio of an important person from black history or a civil rights activist! #caedchat
A4: We take a genuine interest in understanding the world from our Ss eyes. For me, it's by asking questions, reading books, learning some of the language, and traveling to their home countries. Informal chats lead to finding cross-cultural connections. #caedchat
A4: We have to do the work to research the cultures of the Ss in our classrooms, then figure out how to incorporate our learning into the school/classroom. It’s not our Ss responsibility to educate us! That can isolate our students. #caedchat
A4) we used to do this with food then homemade food is not allowed anymore so we talk a lot about food, music, travel during hallway chats, SSR Days. In departmental ed, my team really has to work together to give students voice & recognition. #caedchat
A4: Creating cultural bridges never relies on one singular experience. It is founded in our ability to listen to each other; to have and show empathy; to build a shared humanity. #caedchat
I used to struggle to learn names, but now I make it a priority in the first day or two to play 2-3 name games that require you (the teacher) to know their name in order to “win” the game. When I struggle they help me. When I finally “win” they clap! It’s great! #caedchat
A4: Let the students teach you. Explain to them that you would love to learn about their culture. Ask if they have any questions about your own cultural background. Honesty and dialogue. #caedchat
A4: We must become students of our students. I wrote about connecting with students from a culture unlike my background in https://t.co/Snsr6fhV85 a book of great stories compiled by @MsVenturino#caedchat
A4: I'm also dedicating one of my bulletin boards as a sort of "Show and Tell" board. Ss can share photos, stories, artwork. Basically things that show who they are as an individual. Hopefully this will help too. #creativity#caedchat
A5: I’ve used videos and plays. I think that plays are really good ways to teach cultural inclusiveness. When Ss have to do research to become a character from another culture, there is often a deeper understanding of the person and their culture. #caedchat
A5: I love bringing in students cultures through a Peace Patrol Lesson called “Where Do I Cone From?” It lets students talk to their families and then they share with the class #caedchat
A5: Oh! This is my jam. There are always countless art pieces and films and albums that matter deeply in the lives of our students — and with some conscious attention to connecting those webs of ideas to literature in the class, we are building PhD candidates. 💥 #caedchat
A5: Students that connect with peers from other cultures across the state, country, or globe via video calls, collaborative blogs, etc. build cultural responsiveness through increased awareness via relationship building. #caedchat
A5 i love to tie in art projects with children's stories from around the world. We do one big art project and everyone takes turns building it #caedchat
I have decided to gift this book for refugee awareness. I have bought so many copies amazon is suggesting a dash button. #caedchat Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey https://t.co/WIw48X9oNO
Q5: Gert your students to become writers! @BookCreatorApp is a great app that allows students to be writers and publishers of their own cultural experiences. #caedchat
Being aware of traditions and biases around the holidays. Have to look for cues from Ss who bring up their customs in a December and honor them by talking about it. It also models for Ss. #caedchat
A5: Early US curriculum is the experiences of African American and white on the east coast. My Ss have a hard time finding themselves in the curriculum at all. We connect with experiences (immigration, laws, cultural encounters) and current events. #caedchat
A5: Talent shows, multicultural nights, Pen-pals, “Stone soup” night, All-About-Me Posters, Cross-grade buddies who introduce themselves & their culture’s traditions. Listening. Being open to making the students’ culture part of the school day, reward days, etc. #caedchat
A5) this is harder in my science classes (except during nutrition & sex Ed units) but very easy in my “board games” classes with many interesting themes in today’s games. #caedchat
A6: I am loving FlipGrid this year, but I have a whole list of other tools to use. My goal is to have Ss vote & choose which ones they want to use in upcoming lessons. https://t.co/gtbTrnJTwC#caedchat
A6: Our students have used video in such powerful ways. We are in the midst of a 1:1 iPad initiative and I can’t wait to see what happens when they all have the ability to create #caedchat
A5: Books are wonderful. There are as many interpretations (imaginations) to a story within a culture as there are students (people). I embedded the video in a short blog post. https://t.co/1Rs6iErn4E#caedchat
A6: We used Keynote and iMovie to create presentations. This was especially helpful for students who were learning English as it lowered their "affective filter" and allowed them to show what they knew without having to stress about making a mistake in English. #caedchat
Q7: As we come close to an end, and after hearing everyone’s insight on tonight’s topic, what might be your next steps to becoming a more culturally responsive teacher? #caedchat
My vision for our cooking class was to teach cultural foods then gave them to fusion. Thursday’s the final class. Fresh tortillas, Bao bread, salsa, teriyaki, meats and veggies. It’s been a huge success. #caedchat
Q7: As we come close to an end, and after hearing everyone’s insight on tonight’s topic, what might be your next steps to becoming a more culturally responsive teacher? #caedchat
A7: I am going to try to use tech this year to connect with other cultures around the world. Also, I am really loving the idea of surveying Ss for their D.N.A (dreams, needs, abilities). Love that idea! #caedchat
Thank you to everyone who joined the chat tonight. You are what makes #caedchat great! See you next Sunday!
Be sure to follow some new educators from tonight’s chat AND use the #caedchat hashtag all week long to share resources, ideas, and questions! Continue the discussion!
