Scenario Response 4

To start building a culturally-friendly classroom, I’d begin with one of the most important pieces: relationships. I want my students to feel seen, safe, and celebrated. So the first thing I’d do is get to know them—what languages they speak, where they’re from, what they love to do, and what traditions or holidays are important to them. This could be through simple “About Me” activities, family interviews, or even a show-and-tell of something special from home. From there, I’d work those pieces into our routines. For example, a daily “morning message” where we greet each other in different languages, or a classroom calendar that highlights holidays around the world. I’d also make sure my classroom library reflects a variety of cultures and languages, and encourage students to contribute to it with books or stories from their backgrounds. When it comes to routines, predictability is key—clear visuals, consistent schedules, and simple expectations help build confidence. I’d also try to partner students so they have a buddy to rely on, especially during those first few weeks. The goal is to create a space where every student feels like their identity is valued, and they’re excited to learn—not scared to try. When they feel respected and included, the learning naturally follows.