Inclusive Practices in Multilingual Classrooms

As educators, it is our duty to provide an inclusive environment that embraces diversity and fosters learning for all students. In multilingual classrooms, this means creating an atmosphere where all students feel valued and respected, regardless of their language or cultural background. Connecting with student culture can also be beneficial for educators, as it can help build positive relationships with students and their families.  Below I’ve listed a few ideas for inclusivity in multilingual classrooms.  Start small and watch the magic happen!  

Incorporating multilingual resources such as books, posters, and music can create a welcoming atmosphere for students who speak different languages. Bilingual books allow students who speak different languages to access the same content and participate in discussions and activities together. Consider creating signs and other classroom materials in multiple languages to help students feel more comfortable and included. For example, you could create a welcome sign or post classroom rules in multiple languages.  The best part?  You don't have to be fluent in any of the languages to support your students.  Try out one of these translation apps!

 

Culturally responsive teaching is an approach that recognizes and values the cultural backgrounds of all students. Ask students (or parents/guardians) about their culture, customs, and traditions, and incorporate this knowledge into the classroom. Teachers can use this approach to create lesson plans that include cultural references that are relevant to students. Students will feel valued and appreciated for who they are, plus, it can open the door for partnerships between home and school. This approach also helps students understand and appreciate their own culture while learning about others - a great precursor to empathy, a necessary soft skill for success in the workplace and beyond.  

 

Incorporating multicultural literature in the classroom can provide a window into the lives and experiences of people from different cultures. Multicultural literature exposes students to different cultures and ways of life, providing them with a deeper understanding of the world around them. This helps to create a more inclusive and diverse learning environment, where students from all backgrounds can feel seen, heard, and valued. This literature can also help students understand the value of diversity and how it enriches our lives.  This resource from the Library of Michigan provides a few lists of books by age group to get you started.  

 

Encourage students to use their home language(s) in the classroom and incorporate it into their learning. By using their native language in the classroom, students can better understand new concepts and ideas, which can help them learn and communicate in the target language. Whenever possible, teachers should model the use of multiple languages in the classroom and provide opportunities for students to share their native language with others.  In addition to helping them process their new learning, it can help to validate their cultural and linguistic identity and promote a sense of belonging.

Making connections to the culture of the students we serve can reap great rewards. By understanding and embracing the cultural backgrounds of our students, we can create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that fosters learning and promotes understanding. When students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to engage in the learning process and achieve academic success…and that’s a win for everyone!

 

 

Check out our upcoming workshop Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors coming September 6, 2023.
Seeing your culture reflected in literature is a motivating force for all learners; it also helps them imagine their place in the world. Quality books can be an effective way to promote diversity, encourage young people to read, and shine a spotlight on authors who represent your student demographic. Come be a part of this journey where we'll explore texts through each of these lenses.