Diversity in the Classroom

Diversity in the Classroom Ashley Walker Education 1302 Professor Sumrall 28 October 2011

Diversity in the Classroom A multi-racial society teaches children and adults of all ages how to show respect and to get a better grip on the religion and cultures of others. Observing in McKinney at Slaughter Elementary, I learned that in reality there are no actual walls and differences between human beings. Society creates the so-called barriers in the classroom that children tend to see. Observing in a classroom that consists of challenged kids, mixed-racial groups, and even different levels of learning, I took in that teaching in diverse classrooms can be difficult. By watching the classroom, I took in that teachers need to understand that every student has their own background, beliefs, and customs. Therefore, each student learns differently because each student is an individual. Stereotypes need to be stripped away so each student has an equal opportunity to succeed. While sitting in on a first grade classroom in McKinney, the students varied greatly from each other. Donna Gregg, the teacher whos classroom I choose to observe, had six English as a Second Language (ESL) children (three of the ESL students are Gifted and Talented, one is on normal grade level, and the remaining two students are her lowest students in class.) Along with the three ESL students, she has two more that are in Gifted and Talented. Mrs. Gregg had one African-American, one Korean, one Iranian, one Indian, seven Hispanics, and six Caucasian. This happened to be the first year that Mrs. Gregg did not have a special needs child. However, she does have one student who is potentially autistic. His behavior reflects the decision that her collogues have noticed. He tends to talk to himself a lot, he does not like to maintain eye contact, and he is always afraid fellow classmates are going to tattle-tell on him. His autism, however, is not necessarily bad. He may be autistic, but he also in the process of being tested for

Diversity in the Classroom Gifted and Talented. Despite all the differences, I did notice one particular thing in common; Mrs. Greggs first grade classroom is very sociable. The students tend to talk a lot, but to a certain extent. Her learners are very well behaved and know when talking is allowed and when it is not. The mixed variety of students allow for a fun and unique environment for not only the teacher, but for the students as well. At times, the students tend to get too busy and into each others business. Which, however, can be a good aspect by enforcing friendship among different ethnical and racial groups. One particular aspect I admired about Mrs. Greggs classroom was her ability to treat each student as their own person. For example, one of her students, Olivia, is extremely

motivated by stickers. In result, whenever she does something correct or outstanding, Mrs. Gregg rewards her with a sticker of her choice; while on the other hand, some of the students could care less about a pony with You did awesome! written on the tail. That kind of teacher knows the true definition of relationships with her students and wants nothing less than to see her students succeed to the best of their ability. With that in mind, when it comes to my own classroom and as to how I will be able to handle it, there really is no right answer. Some students I may have to put on behavioral plans while others I may have to give them independent jobs. Some students I may have be peer tutors while others I will have to look for lessons that lend themselves for modifications to lower as well as higher thinkers. Being able to experience how a teacher handles her own diverse classroom, gave me motivation as a future educator.