Introduction
I have a mosaic of cultures in my fifth grade classroom in beautiful Emeryville, California. We love celebrating our diversity. Each year, my students celebrate their differences by hosting an International Cultural Day in my classroom. A brief history from each culture-its foods, dress, music, flags, and art-is presented to several parents, relatives and staff members. Some students dress in their cultural attire and play traditional music that represents their unique ethnic backgrounds.
Citizenship Paths
I want my students to learn about citizenship experiences in a different way, from new voices. First, they will study the paths taken to citizenship in America from their ancestors by reading narratives from nine diverse paths. They will hear from new voices each day during class sessions. Then, all students will examine key narratives about African Americans' experiences, focusing on why their dismal path was laced with hatred and racism.
Respecting and Valuing Differences
Professor Jonathan Holloway asked the question at the Yale National Initiative's Open House "How do people tell the stories of who they are?" My students will learn about who they are from reading different narratives about their history. Perhaps some will feel proud to tell their stories, and engage in healthy dialogues about their similarities, but respecting and valuing their differences.
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