Achieving a Multicultural Classroom Through Mindful Changes

Google Site Culturally responsive curriculum (CRC) is often discussed as a set of principles, yet teachers frequently struggle to translate those principles into specific instructional decisions that make school curriculum more accessible and relevant to multilingual learners (MLs). This session will inform participants about the meaning and value of Sociocultural Competence, and participants will be given ideas as to how to best incorporate Sociocultural Competence into the classroom. This session will draw on a pilot dual language classroom study, presenter’s teaching experiences, and the Strawberries in Watsonville framework to demonstrate how curriculum can be co-constructed with students and families. Participants will examine a five-step School–Home Interactive Curriculum Development process that positions families as knowledge holders and encourages student agency. The presenters will demonstrate and offer examples of curriculum analysis and sociocultural activities. Attendees will explore how they can make simple modifications that would help overcome the gap between home and school and help students learn in a culturally relatable context.