Diversity Post 3

Growing up, I did not have exposure to much diversity in my school. Everyone in my town is basically the same: white, middle-class families. When I went off to MSU, it was a bit of a culture shock. There was more diversity on the floor of my dorm then my entire town back home. Although it took some getting used to, I have been so greatful to be exposed to so many different cultures.

I have worked a lot at Red Cedar Elementary and the diversity within the school is nothing short of amazing. The fact that here are students from over 25 different countries in one elementary school completely blows my mind. The flags of these countries are displayed around the school and there is a great sense of pride for backgrounds. This school has made me realize how important it is for children to learn about diversity and accept it at an early age.

Since I do not know they type of school I will be in, it is difficult to say how I will incorporate the students' diversity in the classroom. If I am placed in a school similar to the one I grew up in, displaying the flags of their native countries would not really be effective. Every student has a family history so having the students tell their family history and being in a food dish or traditional piece of clothing from a country that their ancestors came from could show the students how diverse they actually are. This would show that there is diversity among all students. In class, Debbie told us how she felt excluded from the class because she did not speak English and could not communicate with her classmates. If this situation arose in my classroom, I would have made a point to tell my students about Brazil and give the students a change to ask questions.