A culturally relevant math class? Indeed, my friend, it can. There is often a misconception that math classes can’t be culturally relevant or shouldn’t be culturally relevant. It should be all about the numbers. There is no place for culture. I think this is because our definition of culture is so narrow. If we were …
What do you think of when you hear the word culture? When I think about the word culture, I imagine a network of all the individual pieces that make up a person’s life story. I think of the cultural traditions and beliefs and practices of different people that make our world beautiful. Culture is all …
What is Culture? How can it help unlock exciting and remarkable student Potential? Read More »
Have you ever thought about the power of words, or choosing one word specifically on which to focus? It can be an incredible motivator. Having your students choose their one word to focus on for the year can be a game changer in their lives and your classroom. Let me set the scene. It is …
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Christmas Around the World is probably one of my favorite projects. Any “around the world” journey opens the door for multiple ways to level up each students’ cultural learning. Plus, people celebrate Christmas in several countries on EVERY continent. Yes, every continent: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. This creates a …
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John Dewey said, “We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.” Every experience students have is an opportunity to help them tap into their power as learners. Experiences outside of the classroom impact the way students view experiences inside the classroom and vice versa. As educators, we realize that, but do …
How to use The Power of Cultural Self Reflection with your Students Read More »
The key to empowering students to believe in their ability to succeed academically is creating a culturally responsive classroom this year. In a culturally responsive classroom, students SEE the importance of their people and perspective, as well as the power of their voice. Students also learn the importance of engaging with different people and perspectives …
Kickstart Your Culturally Responsive Classroom this School Year! Read More »
Diverse picture books in middle school? Yep! People often associate picture books with preschool and elementary school, but they are a powerful resource in the middle school classroom as well. Picture books often discuss more challenging topics in very simple ways. In addition, the pictures help students better understand and visualize the concepts being discussed. …
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I’ve heard it said that practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does make permanent. To become and remain a culturally competent educator there are five habits you can practice. Engage in personal & professional reflection Understand mindset (awareness, acceptance, action) Participate in focused professional learning/lifetime learner Be a goal setter and goal getter Take Action …
Having complex conversations in the classroom can seem challenging and overwhelming, but I have 5 simple strategies to help you confidently guide student discussion. Before we dive in, I want to be honest with you. These strategies are effective and classroom tested, but they are not a magic spell. Long before you engage in complex …
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Increasing diverse perspectives in the preschool classroom is simpler than you think. Start by making small, but intentional tweaks to three areas of your classroom and see big impact. I call these the 3P’s – Play, picture books, and posters. Increase diversity by making shifts in the play areas, the picture books you share, and …
3 Powerful Ways to Increase Diversity in the Preschool Curriculum Read More »