Becoming a Culturally Responsive Teacher: Sustaining the Cultures of Young Children

An approach to teaching that honors and sustains the cultures and ways of being of all children—and fosters learning success

Children have disparate experiences in early childhood education: Racial, cultural, gender, and ability differences are apparent in how children are othered, disciplined, and excluded. Culturally responsive practices help teachers change such inequities by centering children's cultures—including their knowledge, experience, and languages—to build relationships and teach in ways that instill a sense of belonging and boost learning.

Implementing these practices begins with teachers examining and understanding their own identities, cultures, and perspectives. This book supports teachers on this journey, helping them identify how their own cultures affect the way they view children and how cultural disconnects can lead to inequitable teaching practices. It offers teachers practical strategies for shifting their thinking and the way they interact with children to be most successful with each child.

Both novice and experienced teachers will find guidance in this book to

• Examine their own cultural selves and how this affects their practice

• Understand what it means to be culturally responsive and why it is critical to children's sense of identity and learning

• Apply seven principles of culturally responsive teaching that help them build culturally sustaining relationships and environments and make a difference in children's lives. The principles include creating culturally inviting classrooms, focusing on strengths, accommodating unique cultural styles.
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