Chapter 2 Blog

Culturally Responsive classrooms are valued everywhere in our society today. The Unites States today is made up of a patchwork of different races and ethnicities that make us one of the most culturally diverse countries. In our schools, we have an oath to educate each student equally and to the best that we can. There are some issues that educators face that we cannot eliminate but we can try to improve. Although there is no racial segregation that exists anymore, there is a sort of prejudice that still exists, even in our youth today. According to the textbook, studies show that students that are in the minority of their schools tend to least discouraged to progress in school. These students are not comfortable with the other students and don’t feel accepted to the other students. It is important that we as teachers embrace these diversities and find ways to incorporate them into our classrooms. The more comfortable that the students are with their fellow peers and their environment, the more comfortable and the more driven they are to succeed in their studies. Also, incorporating the different diversities in the classrooms educates the other students in the majority and helps them understand the customs and ways of their fellow peers. This understanding and acceptance of each other will help the students bond with one another and gives them the opportunity to learn about other cultures.

Another reason that we need to have a culturally responsive classroom is so that we as educators are informed about the cultures of our students. Some things in our society might be considered offensive or meant differently in other cultures. Hand signals, pats, eye contacts, and others might have different meanings in other cultures. Some of the cultures and religions might require for students to take time out of their day to perform to their customs. For example, some religions might require them to pray during certain times during the day. We must respect their customs and find ways to either give them their time or incorporate it into our schedules. We also have to find ways to do so where they can feel comfortable in practicing in their customs also.

Some cultures and their customs can affect the students learning. There are some of the cultures that don’t appreciate a sturdy education as being important in a person’s life. Working, family values, marriage, and others might be a higher priority in their culture. My personal belief is to try and talk and establish education as a higher priority to their parents and teach them the values of an education without offending them or their ways. I believe that it is vital that we share the importance of a good education in our society and find ways to incorporate teaching and their customs.