Creating Culturally Caring Classrooms
"Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment" is a pedagogical presentation designed to empower music educators with strategies for fostering inclusive and engaging learning spaces. This session highlights the essential role of the teacher in shaping a culturally responsive classroom, beginning with the concepts of being "Culturally Caring," which explores building strong student-teacher relationships and proactive behavior management through culturally affirming practices. "Curricular Choices" delves into auditing and replacing problematic repertoire, equipping educators with frameworks and resources to select authentic, culturally respectful music. Finally, "How to Stay Relevant" focuses on integrating students' cultural capital and musical interests into the curriculum, from trending TikTok songs to local music scenes, ensuring an engaging and meaningful classroom experience. Through these sessions, educators will gain the tools to create music classrooms where all students feel valued, represented, and inspired.
Session Objectives:
Foster a Culturally Caring Classroom – Implement strategies to build strong student-teacher relationships and create an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
Make Intentional Curricular Choices – Audit and replace problematic repertoire with authentic, culturally respectful music that reflects students’ backgrounds.
Stay Relevant and Engaging – Integrate students’ cultural capital and musical interests to design meaningful, engaging, and culturally responsive lesson plans.
