PLC & Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies Angela Campbell EDU 639: Human Relations. & Learning in the Multi. Envmnt

“Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity”-Robert Alan

The culture in which we grow up in very much influences the way we live and how we learn from our environment and our society. With the continuous influx of immigrants coming to America from all corners of the world., there has been a steady rise in diversity and a fascinating gathering of cultures, races, and social backgrounds in this country.

Hispanic Culture Overview

One of the many cultures that have contributed to the diverse cultural milieu in the United States is that of the Chicano Hispanic culture.

Family Values O “Hispanic cultures value family, respect, sacrifice and hard work. Hispanic families tend to be very close, and loyalty to the family and placing the good of the family ahead of your own success is important. Working hard and making sacrifices for the good of others is also valued, and some people think it is the only way to make a better future” (Dingo Lingo)

Religion plays a significant role in day- to-day life. More than 90 percent of the Spanish-speaking world is Roman Catholic.

Hispanic Customs

Hispanic/Chicano Celebrations O Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and is spent with family. Christmas eve is called “nochebuena” which means good night. O Poinsettia flowers is associated with Christmas O Many celebrate Christmas with sparklers, fireworks as well as presents and a Christmas Tree

Important Dates to Remember… O Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18.

Hispanic Foods O Cevivhe is fish covered in lemon or lime juice O Gazpacho is a soup made from raw tomatoes and other vegetables. Gazpacho is eaten cold O Cebollita is a dish of pickled onions served on the side of a meal. O Stuffed pobanos are chili peppers stuffed with black beans and cheese O Flan is a Spanish custard made with caramel and vanilla

Hispanic traditional dishes Stuffed pobanos Flan (dessert)

Educational Consideration English Language Learners (ELL) Lower income schools Exposed to more drugs and crime Education is not their first priority

Thus, it is important for educators to understand more of their needs and educational goals to provide them a more competent learning environment.

Inclusionary Practices O Individual Education Plan (IEP) O English Language Learner (ELL) O English as a second Language (ESL) O Multicultural approach O Human relation approach O Knowledge construction approach

The following are recommendations and suggestions for teachers, administrative staff, and schools to implement to ensure cultural integration for Hispanic Americans:

1. Establish positive relations and connections with the students and their families and give them support. 2. Teachers and schools must recognize, identify, and meet the needs of Hispanic Americans, along with other minority cultures and groups, and give them the appropriate institutional guidance and support (Nadal, 2008). 3. A multicultural assessment approach can function as foundation for supporting students and families (Nderu- Boddington, 2008) 4. Encourage Hispanic American parents to get involved in their children’s lives and participate in school related activities.

Parent/Community Involvement O Help teach the teacher about the Hispanic culture O Make their child/student more comfortable O Show acceptance of diversity in the community and the classroom O Learn what the students strengths and weaknesses are

Family-school and community partnerships are important and essential in ensuring students’ academic success. Studies have shown that parental and family involvement are very helpful and benefit their children’s overall school performance as well as their social abilities and being more respectful of others (Wardle, 2013)

Therefore, it is crucial that parents and schools educate their children and their students in this cultural diversity that exists in our societies so that they will learn, at an early age, the value in respecting others and being tolerant of one another’s physical, social, emotional and religious differences.

Constant communication is vital in keeping that link between families, schools, and the community strong by showing support for one another. Community resources such as libraries, community centers, parks, playgrounds, and museums are positive places and outlets for people to come together to show their support for students, families, and learning in general (Wardle, 2013)

Teachers and schools around the nation and the world must continue to educate about cultural integration while balancing the needs of their diverse students: moreover, teachers, schools, and administrators should always be constant advocates for multiculturism, quality, and education (Wardle, 2013)

Reference O Dingo Lingo. Hispanic Culture for Children- fun facts, food, music, language & more. Retrieved from panic-culture/ panic-culture/ O Facts about Hispanic Heritage, Culture and History. Retrieved from p p

References (continued) O Wardle, F. (2013).Human Relationships and Learning in the Multicultural Environment. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Human Relationships and Learning in the Multicultural Environment