ABSTRACT
Constructivist teachers apply the principles of culturally responsive instruction to everyday learning in the classroom. They use rich and diverse children’s literature to ensure children experience “windows, mirrors, and doorways” through books, classroom customs and celebrations, and honoring students’ cultural backgrounds and families. This chapter explores how to make your curriculum culturally relevant, including how teachers address concepts of race, culture, ethnicity, gender, and family structure, starting with their own. Teachers honor the diversity of the classroom, community, and broader world through understanding and evaluating children’s books and classroom materials for cultural relevance. After reading each section, readers are encouraged to use the questions offered to reflect upon their own classroom practices.
