McLean's Brain
Celebrate Diversity!
It's a Small World After All
I grew up in a small town near Ottawa, Ontario. Needless to say, cultural diversity was more of a stick than a branch or tree. When I moved to Hamilton, I was finally exposed to a more diverse population. This was certainly evident in the school system.
During a professional development day, we watched this video clip from the book If the World Were a Village, by David J Smith and Shelagh Armstrong. Though at the time it was intended to be used for Mathematics, It certainly put things in perspective.
Creating a diverse and inclusive classroom environment means that everyone feels valued and a part of something bigger than what they are. When students and staff feel like they belong, they are willing to take more risks. This type of environment will always lead to learning. Check out this Inclusive Classroom Checklist for additional ideas!