Possibly now more than ever, it’s so important to explore themes of equality and diversity and at Konflux Theatre, we thought what better way to do this than with a Play in a Day®!
But what is diversity and why should we be teaching it? By definition, diversity is a ‘range of different things’ and that includes people too! There are so many benefits to teaching and encouraging diversity in the classroom including preparing students for the wider world as they reach employment age as well as fostering senses of creativity and empathy.
‘Collaborative groups are an excellent tool for classroom instruction; in a diverse classroom, students bring various perspectives that challenge their peers to think creatively and collaborate to find an appropriate solution for their group. When students are given the opportunity to work with a diverse group of peers, or with topics that discuss diversity, they can confront stereotypes and discover similarities with their classmates.’
- Kickboard for Schools
How can we highlight diversity in the classroom?
- Try different foods together. Food is a great gateway to learning about other cultures. You could try a fuddle (a food huddle) whereby pupils bring a different dish that’s special to them and their families. Not only is it a great way to learn about different traditions but a nice way to bring students and teachers together to share and enjoy each other’s company over some delicious dishes.
- Mark important festivals from different religions, cultures and backgrounds. If there are traditional costumes or props, these can be incorporated in to arts subjects and literacy.
- Encourage pupils to be inquisitive and ask questions about circumstances they are unfamiliar with. Prejudice tends to form from a lack of understanding. If pupils feel comfortable and unafraid of learning about differences, we can hopefully look toward a more cohesive society in future!
At Konflux Theatre, we are passionate about giving every child an opportunity to shine without traditional learning boundaries. We hope you will enjoy ‘It makes a world of difference’ as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.
For more information on how we can help, please feel free to call 01937 832740, fill in an online contact form or email info@konfluxtheatre.co.uk
