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The term ‘diversity’ describes the range of distinctions that exist among people, including those related to racial background, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, language, socioeconomic position, and culture. From an early age, children start to notice these disparities. They have an innate curiosity and desire to learn about the world; hence they enquire a lot. Kids must see past their differences and develop empathy and compassion for others in a world that is becoming more and more globalized. Here is how you as an educator can help students understand and celebrate cultural diversity.

8 Ways to Teach Students to Respect Cultural Diversity

Here are a few ways you as a teacher counselor can teach your class full of students about cultural diversity:

1. Become Familiar with Own Culture

Understanding your own culture is essential to appreciating another. Thus, talk to your students about the customs and traditions of different countries, encourage them to interact with elders, and, if they are expats ask them to spend some time with the locals.

This is how they will start to learn and have respect for different civilizations by learning the subtleties of their own culture and family traditions.

2. Celebrate Different Festivals

Celebrate holidays from other cultures in addition to those from your own country or district. Instruct your students about their importance. Encourage them to participate in the celebrations by creating themed décor for their house, preparing special foods, and even dressing up in traditional attire.

This is an entertaining and interesting method to aid with your learner’s cultural understanding.

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3. Promote Traveling

Traveling is one of the best ways to learn about other cultures. Encouraging your students to take a trip can help them understand how things operate in other parts of the world or even in their nation.

It provides them with the chance to engage with others from many cultural backgrounds and gain a firsthand understanding of the great range of cultures. You can also include the parents in the planning and ensure that your learning objectives are met.

4. Encourage Students to Get a Pen Pal

Show your class how to look for and write letters to pen pals. Make them understand that they will be able to communicate with people around the globe with this. It will also assist them in appreciating and comprehending various viewpoints.

You can ask them to start practicing by writing letters to their friends in the class. Furthermore, you may assist your students in finding international pen friends who are of proper age through several websites.
 

5. Teach Multiple Languages

If you are an ESL teacher, it is natural that your class is diversified. Encourage them to talk to each other in the local languages rather than only English. Their ability to understand different cultures can be greatly improved by encouraging them to study many languages.

This will allow them to develop greater empathy for other cultures and customs and accommodate themselves in different settings. Furthermore, they will acquire multiple language proficiency that can enhance their enjoyment of travel and expand their professional prospects.

6. Read Books of Diverse Authors

Reading is another great way to enhance cultural diversity. You can read fairy tales and tales from other civilizations to your class. Make sure you have a good selection of books on your bookshelf that are authored by both international and regional writers.

This will encourage them to learn more about other cultures in addition to instilling in her a love of reading.

7. Listen to Different Music

Students can gain some understanding of the distinctiveness of each culture by listening to music from various geographical areas. During breaks or music therapy sessions, you may listen to music of various cultures and genres.

You can also encourage the parents to do the same when traveling, eating dinner as a family, or at any other free time. Since music is a global language that is spoken by all groups worldwide, it promotes cross-cultural understanding.

8. Experience Foreign Language Media

This can be done by introducing various videos during the sessions from different countries and cultures. You can make your students, watch cartoons or foreign-language movies that have subtitles.

This kind of media exposure will educate your child and, more significantly, give them a new viewpoint on various cultures.

Teach Students to be Culturally Responsive

At the individual level, teaching students about other cultures may help them realize that they are more than just the culture from which they originate. Additionally, their identities can also be shaped by their interests, hobbies, personal style, musical preferences, and other factors. If you are struggling to culturally condition your students, try pursuing a Diploma in Counselling Course for Teachers to better engage and understand them and achieve your objectives.