Blog #5 - Strategy to help diverse learners

I feel the one strategy that will help me the most when teaching diverse learners is to get to know them. If you approach an already frightened child from another country whom you know nothing about; you may ruin your chances at building a strong relationship. From the start, give the child space and make the child feel comfortable with you.  Read up on the students culture and traditions. When you turn your classroom into a culturally diverse oasis, the children will feel more at home. I remember talking about the books on the library shelf during class the other day. I loved when they said, "If your library does not represent everyone in your class than you need to rethink it." Same goes for a child who is not fluent in English; if they do not have the feeling of being "wanted" than you will have problems with them wanting to learn.

I also feel it is important to look up words in the child's language. You can use smart phones or ipads and download translation apps. A word of caution however, some words are not going to be 100% correct for the context you are using them in. I had trouble looking up a sentence I was supposed to write in Spanish class and it turned out wrong. Use many visual clues and body language to tell the child what you wish for them to do.  The more you try to use their language the more they will want to learn ours.

ARTIFACT:
I chose this article that goes into further detail the benefits of getting to know your students. My favorite part of the article was when it mentioned that even though they still have high expectations for their students, they are flexible about changing the curriculum to meet individual needs of the students.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/development/documents/diversity/diversity_article.pdf

Qualities we should have when dealing with diversity!!