As our classrooms and communities become increasingly diverse, so must our strategies for teaching, learning, and living in a global society. As major societal institutions, schools play a huge part in either perpetuation or counteracting racial and cultural stereotypes. We as teachers have the ability to make a difference and to teach our children that we must learn about everyone on an individual basis, and that placing judgements based on over-generalized beliefs portrayed in larger society is indeed the wrong thing to do. How can teachers go about doing this?
7 Ways to Explore Race in the Classroom:
By Jerry Michel (2012).
1. Facing Our Reluctance to Discuss Race.
We as educators must be actively and visibly engaged in our own learning and self reflection. Before starting discussions about race with your students, examine your own experiences with race as a child, student, teacher, and adult. We have to be honest with ourselves before we can have honest discussions with others, especially students. 2. Sometimes It Isn't What We Say, It's What We Don’t Say. When speaking about race to children, parents and teachers often avoid potential discomfort by reducing the situation to a nonissue or changing the topic. Glossing over others' unique cultural and racial characteristics does little to recognize the contributions members of minority groups make to our society. The experiences we have growing up in any culture indelibly and distinctly make us who we are. If we do not discuss our differences and what makes each culture unique, our silence implies, at best, a lack of awareness or genuine interest. At worst, silence implies a lack of respect. 3. Let Children Lead the Way. . . .Children are highly aware of the stereotypes present in our society. By providing a safe and supportive setting for students to address and explore issues of race, we acknowledge the obstacles children of color may be facing alone or only with the support of family. 4. Listen Before You Leap. When working with students whose heritage differs from their own, educators often lack the understanding and strategies that would help them incorporate students' background experiences, belief structures, and cultural traditions into lessons, activities, and curricula. Teachers who take the time to get to know their students and to understand the context and intent behind what students say are better able to engage in meaningful conversations and learning with their students. |
5. Confront Stereotyping When It Occurs.
In any school hallway or playground, it doesn't take long before you hear the influence of stereotypes in name-calling, taunting, and hallway banter. Since racial intolerance, bias, and stereotyping are learned behaviors, the time we spend providing students with thoughtful alternatives is crucial. We can use these teachable moments to help students unlearn the negative behaviors they have developed. 6. Don't Wait for Heritage Days and History Months.In planning curriculum and school events, it is important to understand that by waiting for a special day, month, or celebration to discuss and explore issues of race, we silently assert the dominance of the majority culture. Promoting a more inclusive classroom climate can begin with a more diverse classroom library. When the titles we select for the library reflect the broader communities we serve, we provide more than literacy development; we honor our students' families and cultures. 7. Embrace the Long Haul: Actions, Not Words, Lead to Change. Classroom conversations and literacy instruction are important tools for combating racism, but it is our actions as students, teachers, and community leaders that will make the difference. Do not judge your success by the effectiveness of a single lesson. Judge your success by the slow and steady change you make over the course of years. Some understandings can only be uncovered through long journeys and self-discovery. |
Resources:
"Teaching Tolerance" is an online magazine archive that provides teachers, parents, and school staff great insight into addressing a variety of social justice issues that may arise in schools. Each issue provides readers with tips, strategies, information, and coping techniques focused around specific areas of social justice in order to deepen understandings of cultural diversity among our students.
Click on the left image to access the online magazine archive.
Click on the left image to access the online magazine archive.
Classroom Activities
Teachers play a vital role in influencing the affects of racial stereotypes within the classrooms and among our students. It is important that teachers can implement and enforce a learning environment characterized by culturally relevant pedagogy, multiculturalism, and a positive respective community. It is through learning about individual diversity and promoting understanding and acceptance of differences that racial stereotypes can begin to subside from our minds. We need to teach our children from early on that what they see on television or in the movies does not accurately depict any one particular ethnic group or person.
Click on the left image to access lesson plans and activities teachers can implement into their classrooms as a means of promoting and fostering cultural understanding and attitudes of respect among students.
Click on the left image to access lesson plans and activities teachers can implement into their classrooms as a means of promoting and fostering cultural understanding and attitudes of respect among students.