How can we transform cultural diversity into valuable resources at home?
In this lesson we talked about cultural diversity. It was really impressive because I realised how important this topic for a teacher is. When I'm finished with my studies, I will probably teach a multicultural class. But there are not only cultural diversities, even in a homogeneous class, you can find differences. Ever children is different and that´s good. So as a professional you have to show the pupils diversity and to teach them how to cope with differences. Furthermore, also the common things are important. The children should realize that although they are from different countries they could have the same interests.
During this course I learned a lot of new teaching methods. They were really interesting and I liked the idea that we could try the activities by ourselves. I´m of the opinion that your own experiences about the games will help for explaining it to the children. There was one activity where we had to stand in a line and answer questions about us. After a short time, the differences in our group were visible. I already know this exercise in other variations (circle, corners,...) and I like it very much because you can do this very quickly and easily. Moreover, it´s an impressive way to show up diversity.
In addition to this every group had a brainstorming about activities which show children diversity. This was very interesting and helpful for me because I heard some new ideas.
For example:
· Making an international food event, where every child can show some typical food of their home country.
· Reading fairy tales in different editions and languages.
· Listening to music from different countries.
· Creating a bilingual book for the class.
· Inventing the parents to an multicultural event (food, music, books, pictures, ...)
· Introducing the different countries by the children.
So there are a lot of opportunities for a teacher to make aware of this topic. We also talked about: What can a teacher do when a new child comes into the class? Our group agreed very quickly that a good introduction is very important. Furthermore, games to get to know each other help to make the new pupil be a part of the class. I believe that a class buddy is also a good idea. Moreover, the most important thing for me is that you have to prepare the class and yourself for the new child. As a teacher you should be informed about the background of the pupil. This will help you to understand the child and to integrate him/her into the class.
In our society the pupils have to learn to be open minded and to treat each other with respect and dignity. It´s our every day life getting in contact with other cultures and meeting new people. Diversity is a challenge for us but it also makes our life more interesting and exciting.
We created a "welcome" poster for a class. It shows the greeting in different languages. The poster can always be supplemented with new countries of the children and so they get to know the variety of languages.
We created a "welcome" poster for a class. It shows the greeting in different languages. The poster can always be supplemented with new countries of the children and so they get to know the variety of languages.
