Understanding and

Appreciating Cultural
Differences
By: Madison Ferry
 Cultural Differences

Cultural differences are the various beliefs, behaviors,

languages, practices and expressions considered
unique to members of a specific ethnicity, race or
national origin.
 How to Understand and
Appreciate Cultural Differences
Each student in a classroom brings something new and distinct to the table, including world
views, backgrounds, experiences, cultural contexts, preferences, dislikes, personalities, etc.

❖ Make sure each student feels like they belong in the classroom.

❖ Make the classroom as inclusive as possible (including lessons and activities)

❖ Incorporate different teaching styles

❖ Include diverse learning materials

➢ Material that represents multiple viewpoints and perspectives
➢ Think critically about material that includes nationality, race, political views,
backgrounds, different languages, personalities, sexuality, age, socio-economic
matters, etc.
 Why is Understanding and
Appreciating Cultural
Differences important?
❖ Children who learn about diversity and cultural awareness have
better social skills, increased confidence and are often more
accepting of people who are different from themselves.

❖ Creates an opportunity for students to ask questions.

❖ Learning about different cultural aspects offers new experiences for

children. It also helps them realize that we're all humans, despite
differences in how we look or dress, or what we eat or celebrate.
 Ways to promote Cultural
Diversity in your classroom
❖ Get to know your students Activities:

❖ Listen to music in different languages

❖ Maintain consistent communication
➢ Talk about current events and holidays
❖ Make a homemade passport
surrounding specific cultures

❖ Saying “hello” in a different language each

❖ Acknowledge and respect every student month. (Buenos Dias, Bonjour, Guten Tag)

❖ Activities based on holidays from different

❖ Practice cultural sensitivity
cultures

❖ Incorporate diversity in the lesson plan

 What is your cultural
background?
What represents your family?

❖ Religion

❖ Traditions

❖ Foods

❖ Values

❖ Family Artifacts