PLF Reflections

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Three Tips: Culturally Relevant Teaching

There’s something incredibly powerful about a student seeing themselves in a book, a lesson, or even just in the examples we use in class. It’s that feeling of being seen—not just as a learner, but as a whole human being with history, language, family, identity, and story. That’s what culturally relevant teaching offers.

And here’s the truth: students know when we see them. They know when we value what they bring into our spaces. They also know when their culture, voice, or community is missing.

Culturally relevant teaching isn’t just about representation—it’s about belonging. It’s how we show students that who they are matters in our classrooms. It’s not always easy, and it’s never “done,” but it’s a journey worth taking.

Here are a few ways to get started or deepen your practice.

Tip One: Begin with Students' Stories.
The foundation of any meaningful teaching is relationships. And the foundation of relationships? Story.

Start by learning your students’ stories—what lights them up, what challenges they carry, what they celebrate at home, what they dream about. You don’t need a complicated survey or a fancy strategy. Try asking: What’s something about you that you wish teachers knew? Then make space for their answers to shape your approach.

When students see that their identities aren’t just “included” but honored, they engage differently. They show up more fully. They trust more deeply.

Use identity maps, family interviews, or classroom discussions that center students’ lived experiences. Even just sharing favorite songs, traditions, or meals can open doors to deeper connection.

Resource: Here is a Canva Lesson on identity and self-expression with a presentation and graphic organizer.

Tip Two: Use Books as Mirrors and Windows.
Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop gave us the language to describe what students need from literature and curriculum: mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Our students need to see themselves reflected (mirrors), to understand others’ experiences (windows), and to step into new perspectives (sliding glass doors).

But so often, classroom texts reflect the dominant culture, leaving many students invisible. And invisibility can feel like erasure.

Start by taking a look at your books, examples, media, and even assessments. Who’s centered? Who’s missing? Who gets to be the hero, the scientist, the explorer, the problem solver? Invite students to suggest books or media that reflect their identities. Read aloud stories from authors across a spectrum of cultures, languages, and experiences—and don’t wait for a heritage month to do it.

Resource: Social Justice Books – curated, reviewed, and identity-affirming booklists for all age levels.

Tip Three: Shift from Teaching “To” Students to Learning “With” Them.
One of the most radical shifts we can make is moving from delivering information to students, to creating learning experiences with them.

This means seeing students as knowledge holders—not empty vessels. It means co-creating learning, inviting students to share their languages, stories, passions, and ways of knowing. It also means being okay with not being the expert all the time.

Students feel the difference. When they’re not just included in the learning but shaping it, the energy in the room changes. That’s how culturally relevant classrooms are built—from collaboration, from trust, and from shared ownership.

Teaching Idea: Use open-ended projects where students choose how they demonstrate learning. Create space for storytelling, for heritage sharing, or even student-led mini-lessons.

Culturally relevant teaching isn’t a checklist. It’s a mindset. It’s a commitment to showing up, again and again, with curiosity, humility, and love. It’s choosing to believe that every student deserves to feel like they belong—not in spite of who they are, but because of it.

Two Resources to Support You!

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