Culture is the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular people, nation, or other social group. The arts make up a large part of peoples culture and are a wonderful way teach culture and foster a respectful and accepting classroom climate. In my classroom differences are acknowledged, but are also celebrated, because when it comes down to it "different" applies to everyone. If you would like to know more about how I will create a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom climate take a look at my Classroom Management page, Rules, Consequences, and Procedures and explore around.
Social studies are one of my favorite subjects to teach, and culture is a large part of the content are. Although teaching social studies to third graders in South Carolina means teaching SC history, we get to learn about many fierce and beautiful Native American tribes,Gullah culture, and take a deeper look into slavery, plantation life, and the culture of the low country. However, I still integrate time for covering other cultures, ethnic groups, and countries, especially as current events occur. I love teaching about culture because it allows me to learn more about places I have yet to go and people I have yet to meet.My classroom is a place that fosters curiosity, supports active learning, constructivist teaching, and fosters a love of adventure.
We value all cultures, races, ethnic groups, backgrounds, and diversity. Some great ideas for how to teach culture in your classroom are:
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Teach culture using visual arts! An example I used a few weeks ago was making longhouse models to teach about the Cherokee Native Americans!
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Use food to teach culture! Perhaps bring in pre-made baklava to teach about Greek culture, or churros con chocolate to talk about Spain!
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Use dance to teach culture and show video clips on the different types of dance.
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Teach culture using dramatic play! Use literature, videos, or audio clips to teach students about other people in other places and then have them act out a scenario from the content you taught! I like to use literature and have used books like "The first Strawberries!"
Integrating Culture into the Classroom is easy!
The Cultural Arts
Culture in the Classroom & Why Culture?
