Teaching diversity is often considered a difficult task among teachers because of the sensitivity of the topic. The main difficulty in teaching about differences, however, is the fear and anticipation behind the effort. Use the six tips below to help you incorporate diversity into your curriculum.
1. Start Early. Young children begin to develop thoughts about themselves at an early age, usually before they begin kindergarten. Begin teaching children to love themselves at an early age. Studies find when people love themselves, they are less inclined to fear other people’s differences.
2. Emphasize Openness. Teachers should teach students to be forthcoming about their differences. Show them there is no shame in being different. Young people on every continent are changing their appearances through plastic surgery at alarming rates because they are trying to hide who they are.
3. Discuss All Types of Differences. In addition to race and religion, teachers should also discuss gender, size, and learning abilities. Encompassing all differences will make students take a step back and look at themselves. The class environment will soon feel more like a family because everyone will relate to each other.
4. Let the Curriculum Work for You. Literature and social studies are great subjects to teach diversity because they deal with real life issues and people.
5. Use Real Life Examples. Employ parents and speakers to enhance your diversity teachings. You will find that most parents want to teach their students about diversity but do not know how to start. Tell parents about your lessons and have them reinforce it at home. Family discussions set around homework assignments is the easiest way to incorporate these lessons at home.
6. Leave the Classroom. Take a field trip or two during the year. Field trips can work miracles, because they invigorate students. Explore ethnic art and culture on your adventures. Local museums usually have exhibits highlighting cultural and ethnic influences of the local community.
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Read more: “Six Tips for Teaching Diversity: Effectively Incorporating Diversity in the Classroom | Suite101.com” – http://teachertipstraining.suite101.com/article.cfm/six_tips_for_teaching_diversity#ixzz0Ef8RikPS&A
