Building Culturally Responsive Classrooms
A Guide for K-6 Teachers
Divided into two parts, this invaluable resource covers the classroom environment and the topics of discipline, arranging the classroom, and parent and community involvement first. In the second half of the book, Gaitan explains how teachers can be culturally responsive in the way in which they teach literacy, math, science, the interdisciplinary curriculum, and other content areas. Based on Gaitan's own interviews, observations, and audio & video recordings with teachers, parents, students, and community leaders, this book shows how teachers can transform the context and content to be culturally responsive to all their students.
Each chapter follows a accessible and user-friendly format, making it ideal for mentoring pairs, group study, or teachers working individually:
Personal reflection from a teacher related to the chapter topic
Discussion of the topic as it relates to the culturally responsive classroom, incorporating the latest research and best practice
Rich case example including dialogues between teachers and students, the author's observations, and teacher reflections about what occurred
Guiding questions
Reflective Questions
Classroom applications
"[This book] presents issues that influence educators serving students whose perspectives and experiences differ from their own and offers innovative and appropriate strategies to create learning environments that promote respect and equity for all students. [It] addresses the challenges of many special populations, including those of at-risk, gifted and talented, learning disabled, English language acquisitions, and more."
"Dr. Delgado Gaitan has provided a wonderful resource to all educators. The topics used to structure the chapters provide the reader with an orderly consideration of the school as a cultural entity itself. Most importantly, each chapter provides the reader with clear theoretical applications in a hands-on manner that is meaningful and easy to use."
"Dr. Gaitan brings a wealth of personal experience and years of research to Building Culturally Responsive Classrooms. It is thought provoking and challenges us to get to know and understand how culture affects students in order to foster the best working and learning environment."
"The reflection and application section are excellent and are an excellent springboard to discussion and debriefing among the staff."
"This book will be valuable in both teacher preparation programs and in-service professional development as a tool to help teachers grapple with the practical complexities of culture in their work with children and families."