You may remember the tail of "Stone Soup". Two hungry strangers arrived in a town with nothing but a cooking pot . They filled it with water and in most traditional versions, simply dropped a stone in. Then the miracle happened, as townspeople walked by curious about what was going on they said, "We're making something special, but we are missing a few things that will make it perfect" Amazingly, people began to stop by and add to the soup until it was PERFECT!
That's where we are in education. We are hungry for an answer for how to deal with so many problems. The great thing is, we have the key ingredient. A rock? Sort of, a great idea. We have the knowledge that if we can get everyone to bring their diverse ingredients we can make a great soup!
As I read articles pertaining to this topic one thing is clear, when we as educators make it known to everyone in our school communities the importance of their contributions of heritage and background we can create a school climate where diversity is not just celebrated but a vital part of the learning process.
Here are a few simple steps that will allow teachers to continue to meet the rigid state requirements and still give every a chance to experience the class' stone soup.
1) Teachers can show respect of everyone by doing something as simple as incorporating ethnic names or themes in examples.
2) Teachers can use reading pieces highlighting various groups.
3) Teachers can have students show "artifacts" while they tell interesting facts about things valued by the townsmen who look and act like them.
4) Teachers can ensure that as the meal (learning) takes place anyone who hinders the meeting of standards will be held to the same standard. Discipline must be dispensed equitably.
While these are only a few things, they lay the basic foundation that says that all students are expected to perform at high levels. They also express to students that while all children are important, learning is priority.
Cardichon, J., Roc, M. (2013). Climate Change: Implementing School Discipline Practices That Create a Positive Climate
Cardillo, R., Cohen, J., Pickeral, T. (2011). Promoting respectful schools: Creating a climate of respect. ASCD
Spradlin, L.K. (2012). Diversity Matters: Understanding Diversity In Schools. (2nd ed.) Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
That's where we are in education. We are hungry for an answer for how to deal with so many problems. The great thing is, we have the key ingredient. A rock? Sort of, a great idea. We have the knowledge that if we can get everyone to bring their diverse ingredients we can make a great soup!
As I read articles pertaining to this topic one thing is clear, when we as educators make it known to everyone in our school communities the importance of their contributions of heritage and background we can create a school climate where diversity is not just celebrated but a vital part of the learning process.
Here are a few simple steps that will allow teachers to continue to meet the rigid state requirements and still give every a chance to experience the class' stone soup.
1) Teachers can show respect of everyone by doing something as simple as incorporating ethnic names or themes in examples.
2) Teachers can use reading pieces highlighting various groups.
3) Teachers can have students show "artifacts" while they tell interesting facts about things valued by the townsmen who look and act like them.
4) Teachers can ensure that as the meal (learning) takes place anyone who hinders the meeting of standards will be held to the same standard. Discipline must be dispensed equitably.
While these are only a few things, they lay the basic foundation that says that all students are expected to perform at high levels. They also express to students that while all children are important, learning is priority.
Cardichon, J., Roc, M. (2013). Climate Change: Implementing School Discipline Practices That Create a Positive Climate
Cardillo, R., Cohen, J., Pickeral, T. (2011). Promoting respectful schools: Creating a climate of respect. ASCD
Spradlin, L.K. (2012). Diversity Matters: Understanding Diversity In Schools. (2nd ed.) Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.