A classroom where every child belongs

Imagine a classroom where every student feels celebrated and where they see their story and their culture represented in the curriculum they engage in. How would that feel? What would it mean for their motivation, and sense of belonging?

Now, take a step back and imagine the opposite. A classroom where students read content that feels distant and irrelevant, and where activities are prepackaged and lack authenticity or cultural connection. How might that affect students and the educators who are trying to reach them?

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most diverse countries in the world, home to over 200 nationalities, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With so many expatriates proudly calling the UAE home, our classrooms are rich in cultural and linguistic variety. Yet, while our schools often celebrate diversity on the surface, many classrooms still need to take steps towards being inclusive or culturally responsive.

In what follows, I share a few strategies for educators who are ready to begin their journey toward creating classrooms that celebrate diversity and integrate it in daily classroom activities. I encourage educators to take small steps to transform their classrooms into ones that celebrate the whole child. It is always better to start small and build on that rather than not to start at all. I hope that some of the following strategies can be a starting point for positive change.

1. Begin with self-reflection

Creating diverse classrooms begins with the educator. Before we can affirm our students’ identities, we need to reflect on our own. This includes reflecting on our assumptions, and worldviews and how these may impact our teaching. This is essential, especially in the UAE where teachers in private and international schools come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Self-reflection fosters humility, empathy, and the desire to unlearn and relearn. Questions like, whose voices are represented in my lessons? or how do I respond to cultural and linguistic differences in the classroom? can be the beginning for intentional and inclusive teaching.

2. Weave in students’ cultural knowledge

Students come to school with rich cultural and linguistic resources. However, these are often overlooked and replaced by standardized or imported curriculum. Being culturally inclusive changes this narrative. It invites students to bring their backgrounds and cultures to school and integrate them into the learning process. Teachers can begin with activities that center project-based learning to encourage students to explore cultural traditions and values. Two more examples include using discussion prompts that help students draw connections to their personal stories and planning a classroom celebration of multilingualism. When students are seen as assets that add to the richness of the learning experience, they engage deeply and develop a sense of belonging and ownership. Basically, they feel that their voices matter.

3. Cultivate Relationships that Celebrate Student Identity

The human connection between the teacher and student cannot be overlooked. Learners thrive when they feel seen, respected, and valued, not just for their academic performance, but for who they are. This requires educators to take time to learn about them and what their family stories are. This also requires engaging in discussions with students individually and in groups to learn about the values that shape their lives. In diverse classrooms, small steps can have a profound impact. Creating a culture of wellbeing and trust establishes the foundation for meaningful learning and teaching.

4. Diversify learning resources

We always say representation matters. When students see characters, authors, and narratives that reflect their cultures, they feel seen and heard. But it is important to understand that representation does not stop at the classroom’s bookshelf. When selecting resources, it is crucial to choose ones that expand worldviews. In the UAE, where many students are multilingual and multicultural, educators can draw on literature, videos, and examples from across the Arab world, South Asia, Africa, and beyond. Including stories from typically underrepresented cultures helps educators create both mirrors and windows for students: reflecting their own experiences while opening them up to others.

While these are practical tips for educators to get started on their journey of creating culturally inclusive classrooms, it is important to remember that it all starts with a sincere intention to make an impact and educate the whole child. I encourage you to begin this journey not only because it is crucial for student wellbeing but because it makes teaching meaningful and worthwhile. While this article focuses on practical steps for educators, I do realize that school leadership plays a crucial role in creating the culture that supports teachers on this journey. In my next article, I explore ways leaders can work hand in hand with educators to create inclusive school communities that foster authenticity and center belonging and integrity.