Multiculturalism Strategies

What are some of the instructional strategies teachers might call upon specifically to address the challenges presented by the multicultural classroom? Many of these activities probably have been used in many different class settings. However, thinking about them with an eye to enhancing opportunities for learning based on multicultural experiences and needs may mean the teacher manages both the content and the details of presentation and participation differently. Pictures, maps and artifacts from the students' home countries can be used as the basis for many different points of learning. A whole host of opportunities can be created in which the children can teach about the way things are done where they came from.
Children need to experience the classroom as a safe environment where they can tell their stories or be encouraged to draw or write. Journals often are a good way for this to happen because they provide privacy. However even in journals, students should never feel pressure to reveal more than they are willing or want to declare. Assignments should be broad enough so that every child can participate without feeling discomfort about the subject or the memories and experiences it brings up for them.
On the other hand, such assignments may give students opportunities to work through difficult facets of their life by simply being listened to. Teachers do not have to listen with a therapist's hat on, but simply as a friend and or ally as the student comes to terms with the new culture. Although the multicultural classroom contains a cacophony of differences, there are likely more similarities present between the students than differences. These can be building blocks to help children from various cultures (even those in which severe animosity still exists between people) learn to relate to each other and to the world at large. Having students work in pairs and small groups also gives them opportunities to share and risk and to get to know each other more than some might in a large group setting. This also provides opportunities to handle both the usual multilevel and multicultural aspects of the classroom.
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