Sociolinguistic Perspectives in Education: Episode 20

Nurturer Young Learners This podcast will touch on creating a warm and nurturer space for students. Each student who enters a classroom comes from varying home environments and cultural backgrounds. It is the job of the teacher to make every student feel equally welcomed. The learning opportunities in a classroom should not be limited to learning math and science. It is a setting where peers should learn how to support one another, and teachers foster compassion in their students. Experts Maggie Valentine and Katelyn Miller will be questioned by host, Bella Love, on tips and tricks related to creating an inclusive classroom experience as well as providing insight on sociolinguistic perspectives on teaching and learning.

Bella: When any teacher enters a classroom, they must ask themselves, “how can I provide the best learning experience for my students?” Each student who enters a classroom comes from a different home environment and varying cultural backgrounds. It is important as a teacher to make classroom time as valuable of an experience as possible. It should touch on all of the important subjects. Classroom time should include conversations and assignments that discuss varying cultural backgrounds.

Today, I will introduce to you an expert on the subject. Maggie Valentine is a teacher who studied at Adelphi University.

So, Maggie, what are some projects you intend to do with your students that encourage your students to explore different cultures?

Maggie: One project I would like to do in my classroom that would explore different cultures would be bringing in a different food from each culture once a week.

Another project I would like to do would be an all about me project where the students would describe their culture and draw pictures of something that reminds them of their culture.

Lastly, I would like to do a show and tell where each student brings in one object that reminds them of their culture and explain to the class why and something about their culture. This would help all the students to learn about different cultures.

Bella: Awesome! Thank you so much for your input. How do you intend to make your classroom a safe space?
I intend to make my classroom a safe space by teaching the children how to respect each other and listen when other students are talking. I would make sure that they knew it was acceptable and encouraged to talk about their cultures and share their knowledge.

Bella: It is certainly important for the teacher to make the classroom a warm space but how can peers be helpful to the other students?

Maggie: The peers can be helpful to the other students by listening carefully and being respectful. It is important they do not make fun of each other, but encourage.

Bella: Anything you would like to add?

Maggie: For me, it is extremely important that every student feels comfortable in my classroom and is able to share their thoughts and feelings, not only with me but with their fellow classmates.

Bella: Great! Well, Maggie, thank you so much for your time!