Importance of Cultural Understanding

As the cultural diversity in our classroom increases, our awareness of their needs should also increase.  When teachers are aware of cultural differences, when they recognize their own assumptions about other cultures, and when they take time to learn about a student's culture they show the student that they respect where they come from, they appreciate the differences they bring to the classroom, and they want to get to know the child.

The Culture Crossing website provides a great resource for teachers and families.  It provides information on the country, etiquette, and helps clear up misconceptions.  This is a quick tool to reference when working with a student and family from a culture you are not familiar with.

Culture Crossing

ESL BOB

This YouTube video provides a great explanation of the difference between Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP).  It is important to remember that while an ELL student may be able to carry on a social conversation with their peers on the playground, they may not be able to understand and process the language of the classroom!