Culture in the Classroom

From last week’s reading in the “Joy of Children’s Literature.” We read about diversity and incorporating it into our readings and classrooms. It discussed incorporating books with religious diversity, cultural diversity and diversity in social class just to name a few. I completely agree that we as a Nation, not just children in a classroom, are not exposed to enough outside our comfort zones. It is not only important to know about other cultures and lifestyles for knowledge’s sake but for tolerance and to see all the world has to offer outside our State lines.

Then came a paragraph where many believe that only teachers’ from that specific culture can properly teach the literature and should be the only ones to teach that material. I understand the worry of misinterpreting and not fully understanding a culture when one is teaching it, but there is no harm in incorporating books within the classroom regardless of our knowledge. There would be more harm done if it was just left out instead. If we do feel uncomfortable teaching specific topics on diversity, I think it is our responsibility to put the time in with research, asking questions, seeking guidance and advice. If we restrict who can and cannot introduce certain diversity topics and monitor which ones are incorporated it is the children that will suffer. Who are we to deny children from getting a well-rounded education, is if fair that in some classrooms it is taught and others not? And when the book suggests that teachers cannot teach about other cultures what are they suggesting they do in place of that? Any ideas to ratify the problem?

It is crucial for children’s education to enlighten them on all cultures. If we feel unprepared, which is mentioned in the chapter, which discourages many from teaching about it, we need to change that. We should provide lectures, have guest lecturers come to our school, have seminars among the staff and have the district provide classes for teachers to attend and learn from. Education is constantly changing we need to keep up. This should not be a subject we struggle with bringing into the classroom.