Creating a climate of caring and concern in the classroom for students from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural groups in a classroom

As a citizen of a multi racial country, Malaysia, I grew up and lived harmoniously in a multi cultural society. I love cultural diversity as it helps me understand and learn about a bevy of different people groups in the world. In the previous international school I taught at in Malaysia, students came from 56 different countries and generally each class had at least six different races of students. With such a huge diverse culture in a multicultural classroom, there were many social and emotional concerns as well as relationship skills to develop. Creating a climate of caring and concern in the classroom for students was of high importance as I often saw the same ethnic students clinging together to support each other. This was even more common for the children who had little or no English when they came to the new school.

I believe strongly it is important to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the classroom for positive and fun learning; this will instantly keep classroom management on a high note. When each child feels that he/she is valued and recognized, learning and participation will take place as he/ she feels important and safe, therefore looks forward to coming to class. And especially in a multi cultural classroom, if the students see that the teacher who is of a different culture and ethnic background from theirs is interested in getting to know them and their cultures, they will immediately feel safe and happy, and respond positively in class

Let me share my experience in creating a climate of caring and concern in the classroom for students from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural groups as my passion for the myriad cultures, especially the different cultural music, made it really enjoyable for me.

I was interested in knowing each child’s nationality as well as ethnicity. In the beginning of school year, I always had students go one round to share where they come from and three things about themselves and their countries in a call and response style.  I sang to ask and they sang to response.  I was telling the children I was interested in their well – being.

In my curriculum, I constantly prepared songs, dances and singing games that were related to my classes so that the children could understand and learn about each other’s culture through music. I saw a radiant smile in the Dutch kid when I taught the class a Dutch song and dance- Sarasponda; I was sure she felt important and proud that a song in her language was recognized and learned in class. Similarly, a Korean child got so excited and started to tell us more than we would love to know when we all learned the song Arirang. 

I invited parents to the lessons to share with us some cultural activities and teach us songs in their languages.  Such ways of learning had always been lively, engaging, as well as fun and laughter filled.

 My motto in class was “Many Cultures, One World”. I was instilling in the children to love and embrace each other through the many cultures that we were sharing in class.  I still remember the song that was so loved by my multicultural students: The World Is A Rainbow by Greg and Steve

The world is a rainbow
That's filled with many colors;
Yellow, black, and white, and brown,
You see them all around.

The world is a rainbow:
With many kinds of people;

It takes all kinds of people
To make the world go round.

Now you be you
And I'll be me.
That's the way we were meant to be.
But the world is a mixing cup.
Just look what happens when you stir it up!

The world is a rainbow
With many kinds of people;
And when we work together
It's such a sight to see.
The world is beautiful when we live in harmony!

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVv0U_FYIck

In addition, I loved to celebrate the diverse cultural festivals and celebrated the Chinese Lunar new year, Indian Divali, Thai LoiKrathong Mexican Cingo DeMaya and the Swedish Sankta Lucia, to name a few.

When the teacher takes the lead role to take interest and embrace the diverse cultures, and treat every student with respect, this role model will be passed on to the students. Everyone will have that mutual respect for each other. The learning environment will be beautiful. I have had this wonderful experience and am positive that it will still work in the future.