1. Diversity in the 4th Grade Classroom
EDU 308
Jessica Fisher
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2. Our Classroom Rules
On the first day of school, my class makes the rules together.
Raise your hand.
Listen to the speaker.
Respect everyone.
Be a buddy, not a bully.
Keep it clean. (Language and the classroom)
This is their classroom. If the students make the rules, they are more likely to follow them. I believe my students will succeed and they trust that I will guide them. “it” refers to language as well as the classroom.

3. Addressing Bullying NO HUNTING policy Kelso’s Wheel Program
The no hunting policy is a zero tolerance stand against bullying. No one is allowed to target someone and take them down, verbally or physically. Kelso’s Wheel provides students with choices to address “small problems” in the classroom and on the playground.
Kelso’s Wheel Program

4. Parents as Partners
Parents comments and suggestions are greatly taken into consideration.
Phone calls are made to the parents when students misbehave and when they are doing well.
Annual class cookbook contains recipes submitted by parents.
Parents are welcome to visit the class during celebrations, guest speakers, and music programs.
Parents, students, and I work as a team. Parents are informed when their child is doing well, and poorly. A class cookbook allows different cultures to be included and allows parents to give to the class without using money in anyway. Parents are welcome to visit the class.

5. Around the World Five students’ parents are immigrants
Mexico, Puerto Rico, Ghana, Vietnam
Spanish, French, Vietnamese, English
Geography of students is worldwide. Home languages are always respected. Most of the class speaks and writes in English. Some students know multiple languages. We learn numbers and greetings in several languages to honor other cultures. I also work closely with interpreters.

6. A Colorful Class African American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Multiple Races
Stories, movies, and guest speakers supplement the text book to portray ethnic differences and beliefs.
Several race and ethnicities are noticeable. The text book and other supplements help portray and raise awareness of racial/ethnic differences.
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7. $ocioeconomic $tatus
Most of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Class supplies are available for all to use throughout the year.
Backpack Buddies Program provides low income students with nutritious food for the weekend.
The socioeconomic status of the student does not define them.
They can and will excel!
There is a set of classroom supplies that everyone is allowed to use. This includes pencils, highlighters, markers, etc. Several students partake in the Backpack Buddies Program so they have access to healthy, kid friendly food for the weekend.
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8. Gender Equality There are seven girls and eleven boys in the class.
To eliminate gender bias:
Computer generated seating charts
Popsicle sticks with students names on them
Seven does not equal eleven. So to prevent gender bias, seating charts and choosing/calling on students is randomized.
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9. Religious Freedom
All students are allowed to engage in individual prayer, no matter their religion.
The class discusses religious differences with guest speakers, when talking about different regions, and during holidays.
Religious freedom is 100 percent promoted. Religions are examined when talking to guest speakers, about regions and holidays.
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10. Sexual Orientation
In this grade, they get “the talk” about puberty and changes that will occur.
In the class, derogatory statements are prohibited.
Students are encouraged to pursue friendships with both boys and girls.
Sex is lightly discussed during the talk. Using derogatory terms (that’s gay, etc) are prohibited. Encouraged to pursue friendships of both boys and girls.

11. Physical Disability Stuge-Weber Syndrome Accommodations
Partially paralyzed on one side of body, large birthmark usually on face on opposite side of paralysis, visual problems
Accommodations
Sits in the front of the class
Large, clear font
Leaves class a few minutes early to avoid rush
A buddy assists him
One student has Stuge-Weber Syndrome which leaves him paralyzed on one side. His seat is at the front of the room. I use large ,clear front when writing on the board. He is also allowed to leave the class a few miutes early with the assistance of a buddy.

12. Giftedness & Children Left Behind
Two students are classified as “gifted.”
They leave the class two days a week for half a day. Homework assigned when they are away does not apply to them and can be done for fun.
ESL and other children who do not read at grade level receive extra help.
Homework is arranged to have challenging problems as well as easy problems so all children learn.
Gifted children leave 2 days a week. ESL and Other children who do not read at grade level are also given special attention. Homework is carefully planned so every child can be challenged but not left behind.