Diverse Communities

Above is an assignment students had completed in my placement classroom with the objective of students explaining whom they are using 6 characteristics with regards to Terry Fox. Here the students were to create a poster which presents how they live demonstrating the character traits of; empathy, perseverance, courage, responsibility, humility and determination.

I feel this relates to the discussion in class of creating a culturally inclusive classroom, accepting people for who they are, and creating a sense of community. The students explaining how they display these character traits and creating a self reflection encourages them to dig deep and express their beliefs and values. Multiple finished products in the class discussed their religious beliefs, how they contribute in their communities/churches/ etc. This draws upon the connection of that culturally inclusive and diverse classroom. Students must be accepting and respectful to their peers for this sense of community to be present.

This relates back to the reading on building culturally inclusive classrooms in terms of transforming the curriculum. A quote that stood out to me, which I feel this project brings forward was ,"it takes commitment to learn srategies that will make every student feel like they belong and can succeed" (pg. 67). When reading through some students' projects I noticed a variety of roles some students take in their religious communities. This project is a great way for students to share information about themselves and their beliefs, and have their peers learn and respect each individual for their story.