Author: theculturalclassroom
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Centering Indigenous Voices: A Guide to Social Justice in the Classroom
When it comes to teaching social justice, one of the most powerful ways to engage students is through the theme of Indigenous voices. Indigenous cultures, languages, and histories are rich with lessons about resilience, community, and identity. Yet, these voices have been marginalized for centuries, and their stories often go untold in mainstream education. As…
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What Is a Webquest and How to Use It to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Your Classroom
As we head into Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to share with you my newest resource: the Hispanic Heritage Month Cultural Webquest! Whether you’re short on prep time or simply want to encourage more student-led exploration, a Webquest can be the perfect solution! 🌐 So, what exactly is a Webquest? In simple terms, it’s intended…
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Creating a Social Justice-Informed and Intercultural World Language Classroom | Actionable Steps
In today’s diverse and interconnected world, the role of language educators extends beyond teaching grammar and vocabulary. It involves fostering an environment that promotes social justice, cultural understanding, and empathy. At my March 2024 Keynote Speech with FLENJ, I talked all about empathy and how the goal is to help children understand that we are…
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Get to Know Your Students Better: A Must-Have Back-to-School Tool
Are you ready to create a more inclusive and engaging classroom environment? This comprehensive back-to-school student survey is your solution. It offers 40 versatile questions covering everything from basic information to cultural insights and personal interests. Choose from Google Forms, Google Slides, or a printable PDF to fit your teaching style. Key benefits: The survey…
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Transform Your Classroom with Interculturality
If I could tell you one thing to help you this upcoming school year, it would be to incorporate themes of interculturality in your classroom. I know–what even is “interculturality”? But trust me, it’s not as inaccessible as it sounds. In fact, it’s completely within your reach. This is something I’ve emphasized in my previous…
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Welcome to The Cultural Calendar for the Spanish Classroom!
Explore the rich and vibrant cultures of the Spanish-speaking world with The Cultural Calendar (see below). For the first three months of the school year (August – October), I’ve curated a comprehensive guide to help you bring authentic cultural experiences into your classroom. Each month is packed with valuable resources that you can easily access…
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El Grito de Lares: Honoring Puerto Rican Heritage in the Classroom
I have a special relationship with the Caribbean. Growing up, all my friends were Puerto Rican and singing “Preciosa” meant just as much to me as it did to them. Learning and sharing about my learnings along the way bring me so much joy. Today, I bring you an honored day in Lares, Puerto Rico.…
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The FREE Practical & Comprehensible Conference: Celebrate YOU!
Hola hola hola mi gente linda! While summer is definitely a time for rest and relaxation, it’s also a perfect opportunity to recharge your teaching batteries and fill your professional cup at your own pace. ☕️ That’s where the 🔗 Practical & Comprehensible 5th FREE Virtual Conference comes in! This conference isn’t your typical PD.…
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Three Things I Learned From My Chiquis | 2024
This year was a challenging one, and I’m sure many of you felt it too. I dealt with personal difficulties, health concerns, time constraints, and a summative review (a type of yearly teacher observation). Not to mention running to and from conferences and keeping The Cultural Classroom going, which I love! Honestly, now that the…
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Celebrating Juneteenth in the Spanish Classroom: A Journey of Freedom and Culture
Introduction As educators, we have a unique opportunity to bring the richness of diverse cultures into our classrooms. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, is a significant day in American history, marking the end of slavery in the United States. While this holiday is rooted in African American history, it also ties into the wider diaspora…