#48: Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies with Dr. Jarri Goodman
If you’ve been in the classroom for any amount of time, you know that no two students are alike. They come from different backgrounds, bring unique perspectives, and learn in ways that are shaped by their experiences. But here’s the question—are we making sure all of them feel truly seen and valued in our classrooms?
Culturally responsive teaching isn’t just another buzzword—it’s a powerful way to engage students by honoring who they are. It’s not about adding a separate unit on diversity; it’s about weaving inclusivity into everything we do, every single day. And the best part? Small shifts in our teaching practices can make a huge difference.
What is Culturally Responsive Teaching?
Culturally responsive teaching (CRT) is all about recognizing and valuing students’ diverse backgrounds and making intentional choices to integrate those experiences into everyday learning. It’s about making sure that each child sees themselves reflected in your lessons—not just during a special heritage month, but all year long.
When students feel connected to what they’re learning, they’re more engaged, more confident, and more motivated to succeed. And isn’t that what we’re all aiming for?
Why Does it Matter?
If a child walks into your classroom every day and never hears about people who look like them doing amazing things, what message does that send? When students don’t feel represented, they disengage. But when they see that their culture, history, and experiences matter, they lean in.
Research shows that culturally responsive teaching not only boosts engagement, but also leads to stronger academic achievement. And here’s the kicker—it benefits all students, not just those from underrepresented backgrounds. Every child learns better in an environment where multiple perspectives are valued.
Key Strategies for Culturally Responsive Teaching in Elementary Classrooms
1. Represent All Students in Curriculum and Materials
Let’s be honest—most of us grew up with textbooks that didn’t showcase a whole lot of diversity. But we don’t have to teach that way. We can make intentional choices to ensure our students feel represented. Try this:
- Choose read-alouds and classroom library books that reflect a variety of cultures, family structures, and experiences.
- Highlight diverse figures in all subjects—not just social studies! Introduce scientists, mathematicians, and artists from different backgrounds.
- Incorporate music, art, and traditions from various cultures into daily routines.
2. Build Strong Relationships and Create a Sense of Belonging
Students learn best when they feel safe, valued, and connected. If we want them to take academic risks, they need to know they belong. A few simple ways to build that trust:
- Take the time to learn about each student’s background—what languages they speak at home, what holidays they celebrate, what interests them.
- Create an environment where students can share their experiences and traditions.
- Model respect and curiosity about different cultures, encouraging students to do the same.
3. Encourage Student Voice and Choice
When students have a say in their learning, they take ownership of it. Here’s how you can create more opportunities for student voice:
- Ask students to bring in stories, traditions, or items that are meaningful to their families.
- Give options for projects—can they create a video, a poster, or a skit based on their learning?
- Use open-ended discussion questions that invite students to draw from their own experiences.
4. Address Implicit Bias and Reflect on Teaching Practices
We all have biases—it’s human. But as educators, it’s important to recognize them and make sure they’re not affecting the way we teach or interact with students. Some ways to stay aware:
- Take a step back and reflect on whether certain students get more (or less) attention in your classroom.
- Attend professional development sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Be open to feedback from students and colleagues about areas where you can grow.
5. Partner with Families and the Community
Bringing families into the learning process strengthens student success. But we can’t just expect parents to show up for the occasional conference night—we need to build real partnerships. Try these ideas:
- Host a “Culture & Community Night” where families share traditions, food, or stories.
- Send home a simple questionnaire at the start of the year asking families about their goals and values.
- Stay connected with families, not just when there’s a problem, but to share good news too!
6. Foster Social-Emotional Learning with a Cultural Lens
Most of us are already implementing social-emotional learning (SEL) in some way, but are we making sure it’s culturally responsive? Consider:
- Teaching SEL through stories that feature diverse characters and settings.
- Discussing how emotions and conflict resolution can be viewed differently across cultures.
- Encouraging students to reflect on their identity and what makes them unique.
Bringing it All Together
Culturally responsive teaching is not about adding more to your plate—it’s about shifting the way we think about teaching so that every student feels valued, included, and engaged. When we start making small adjustments to our everyday teaching, we create classrooms where all students can thrive.
So here’s my challenge to you: Pick one strategy from this list and try it this week. See how your students respond. I promise—you’ll be amazed at the impact even a small change can have.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula
Looking for more ways to enhance your teaching and boost student success? The Science of Reading Formula offers expert-led resources to help you implement research-based strategies in your classroom.
LINKS
Email Dr. Jarri Goodman for Consulting – drjarrigoodman@gmail.com
Connect with Dr. Jarri Goodman on LinkedIn
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
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