In what ways can I create a culturally responsive

classroom?
Burden & Byrd say, students culture is seen as a source of strength on which to
rely (page 37). As a professional educator I am expected to apply knowledge of
students, including their prior experiences, interests, and social-emotional learning
needs, as well as their funds of knowledge and cultural, language, and socioeconomic
backgrounds, to engage them in learning (Teacher Performance Expectation 1.1). If I
view the cultures present in my classroom as a strength or an asset then deficit thinking
is eliminated. Instead students will feel empowered to use their identities in a social,
political, emotional, and academic.
One way to create a positive classroom environment that reflects this attitude will
be to include physical representations of their culture. This can include a culture center
as we saw in the video. Students would be encouraged to contribute realia to the area.
Their presence in the classroom space would place value on their cultural identity. I
could also include material in my curriculum that they identify with, such as books with
characters similar to themselves. Additionally, I will incorporate instructional strategies
that cater to the way my students' culture(s) interacts. By utilizing like the call and
response or give one, get one I can maximize student engagement and participation
and ultimately create a culturally responsive classroom.