Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
By asking families to visit the classroom to share their language and traditions, this school creates a sense of community and connection for all students.
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Whiting Lane Elementary School in West Hartford, CT, is a school that celebrates the diversity of their students—more than 30 different languages are spoken in the building. Their Cultural Ambassador program, developed by an English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher, is one way they show their commitment to inclusivity—and to making all families feel like they belong. Family members are invited to come into the classroom, read a book in their native language, and share aspects of their home culture with the class. Students compare elements of the language to English and are given space to ask lots of questions. As a result, classmates develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of cultures around the world, and families feel truly welcomed by the school community.
For more strategies on culturally responsive teaching, visit: edutopia.org/topic/culturally-responsive-teaching
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By asking families to visit the classroom to share their language and traditions, this school creates a sense of community and connection for all students.
Join the Edutopia community to get curated articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—it's free and always will be: edut.to/3wEVHUh
Whiting Lane Elementary School in West Hartford, CT, is a school that celebrates the diversity of their students—more than 30 different languages are spoken in the building. Their Cultural Ambassador program, developed by an English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher, is one way they show their commitment to inclusivity—and to making all families feel like they belong. Family members are invited to come into the classroom, read a book in their native language, and share aspects of their home culture with the class. Students compare elements of the language to English and are given space to ask lots of questions. As a result, classmates develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of cultures around the world, and families feel truly welcomed by the school community.
For more strategies on culturally responsive teaching, visit: edutopia.org/topic/culturally-responsive-teaching
*Follow us here:*
Official Website: edutopia.org
YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopia
Facebook: facebook.com/edutopia
X: twitter.com/edutopia
Instagram: instagram.com/edutopia
© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
