Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Food and Holidays My school principal told all the teachers at my school at the beginning of the school year that because of the recent changes in the demographics of the school, we had to develop and implement lessons that were Culturally Responsive. I had heard of the term "Culturally Responsive", but I am not the most knowledgeable person about it. So, I did lessons on holidays and traditions in different cultures. I had some lessons on food favored by different cultures. When appropriate, I brought guest speakers to my classroom. The other day I was having a casual conversation with the school principal and she asked me about how the culturally responsive teaching was going. I told her about the things I have done. She said I got it all wrong. I was shocked and hurt by her comment. How am I going to develop and implement culturally responsive lessons? I really do not know. What is wrong with my holidays, traditions, and foods? I thought I was doing a great job. By the way, I teach 4th grade and I have mostly Black and Hispanic children. Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) It sounds like your principal needs to implement more teacher training to explain exactly what she meant by "Culturally Responsive" lessons. I think that it is commendable that you have made an effort to try and bring new cultures into your classroom. However, I believe that the direction that your Principal wanted you to take is more geared specifically toward your students. Look at the specific students that you teach. How do their specific cultures affect the way that they learn or "see" things in your classroom. Then, adapt your lessons so that your students will use these "presets" of their culture to respond in such a way that will allow them optimum learning.