As we continue to navigate changes to our district calendar and inclusive newsletters, we find months filled with moments that call us in to be more culturally aware and provide educational spaces that promote inclusion and belonging. As we keep belonging our North Star, we commit to deepening our understanding, pedagogical and communal practices, and uplifting our collective humanity.
October offers up an opportunity to do this on many fronts: serving as a time to raise mental health awareness, build our social and emotional capacities, and bring a time of forgiveness and "new beginnings," as we recognize and celebrate our Jewish communities:
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year.” The festival begins on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls during the months of September or October. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two "High Holy Days" in the Jewish faith.
Also known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in Judaism. The holiday lasts approximately 25 hours and is typically observed with fasting and prayer in alignment with the themes of atonement and repentance. On Yom Kippur, people observing the holiday are asked to abstain from food and drink (among other routines or hobbies) to focus inwardly.
While the highlighted recognitions above are not an exhaustive list for the month, they are representative of Jewish holidays and traditions of major significance to many ONETroy families.
Culturally Responsive Instruction is easy as 1-2-3!
When students receive culturally responsive instruction they are more engaged, make personal connections to content, and are more willing to take receive feedback about performance. Here are 3 easy steps you can take to better connect learning to students' lives.
1. Validate and Affirm Student Identities
Incorporate activities and discussions that allow students to express their cultural identities, languages, and traditions. Acknowledge and celebrate these aspects in the classroom by having cultural appreciation days, diverse literature circles, or projects that explore students' heritage. When students see their identities reflected in the curriculum, they feel more valued and connected to the learning process. You might also reference keynote speaker Liz Kleinrock's Start Here, Start Now text for ways to center student identity in your instruction!
2. Use Culturally Relevant Teaching Strategies
Implement instructional strategies that align with the diverse ways students process information. Consider storytelling, collaborative group work, and inquiry-based learning, which resonate with many cultural learning traditions. This approach helps students see the relevance of academic skills in real-world contexts and nurtures a stronger sense of belonging. Also, ensure to break concepts into small chunks and include processing time for all learners, lessons designed this way build the intellectual capacity of our students and is helpful for all learners!
3. Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom Environment
Use visuals, displays, and resources that reflect the diversity of your students. For example, decorate the classroom with multilingual labels, culturally diverse artwork, and artifacts that represent the backgrounds of your students. This environment reinforces that all cultures are respected and integrated into the classroom community, promoting inclusivity and belonging.
Windows, Mirrors, & Sliding Glass Doors
Windows, Mirrors, & Sliding Glass Doors
In partnership with Oakland Schools, elementary teachers have a variety of texts that they can utilize with students to address Hispanic & Latino Heritage month. These texts include: Last Stop On Market Street, Milo Imagines The World, and Mango, Abuela, and Me. These texts center diverse narratives, perspectives, and Hispanic & Latino authors. Reading picture books can help build community in the classroom as learners step inside and interpret the feelings and actions of characters together. A detailed Culturally Responsive Read Aloud lesson plan is offered from Teachers College at Columbia University.
Monday October 14, 2024
Formerly recognized as Christopher Columbus' Day, a total of 20 states including Michigan now recognize this federal holiday as Indigenous People's Day. This shift in recognition started with a conference in the United Nations in 1977 and has grown steadily since. This effort calls on us to reframe our understanding of the "discovery" of "new lands" by European powers, and to respect those peoples who had built civilizations and cultures that persevered for thousands of years prior to European contact. This C3 Inquiry can easily be adapted or modified for any grade level for a more balanced approach in teaching about the origins and impact of European exploration and colonization.
As Halloween approaches, let's guide our learners in celebrating creatively while respecting diverse cultures and avoiding cultural appropriation in their costume choices. It's essential that costumes do not diminish or stereotype others' traditions or histories. Cultures, their symbols, and traditions are not costumes; they're a rich heritage to be respected. Let's use this opportunity to foster an environment of inclusiveness and mutual respect, ensuring our celebrations are fun and respectful for all. Wishing everyone a mindful and joyful celebration!
Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, is a major festival that lasts five days, typically falling between late October and November. The word "Diwali" comes from the Sanskrit "dipavali," meaning "row of lights," and the festival represents the triumph of light over darkness. Here are some resources to learn more!
October is designated as Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying can occur in many ways; it may be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digitally via email, text, social media, etc. Effective bullying prevention efforts involve students, parents, teachers, and community members to address larger issues of disrespect, bias, and violence that can contribute to bullying issues in schools. A community-wide effort shows students that adults care about what happens to them and that they are not alone.
