The Culture-Centered Classroom

In this episode I share four of the most impactful types of resources needed to create a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming classroom. Including these types of resources will allow you to have an intentional and lasting positive impact on the academic confidence and academic success of your students. In the episode I mention: Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's Window, Mirror, and Sliding Glass doors - Clic...

Establishing classroom norms is a key foundational element in creating the welcoming, inclusive, and affirming classroom you desire. In this episode I share three strategies for establishing these essential norms in a effective way. In the episode I mention: Activities for creating a welcoming and inclusive class - Buy resources in my TEACHER SHOP Grade Level Book Recommendations - Click HERE to a...

There are tons of questions you can ask your students to get to know them and begin to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment this year. On this episode I will share content specific questions you can ask. These questions will allow you to get to know your students and their level of connection to your content area.  These questions will allow you to begin filling in the gaps!...

As the beginning of the school year approaches I want to share a few tips for creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom from day one. In today's episode you will learn more about three dynamic ways to create this type of classroom with your students from the very first day of school. In the episode I mention: The FREE Practical & Comprehensible Conference (July 16-21, 2022). Here is a link...

In this episode I share a few simple questions to ask yourself in order to have the welcoming and inclusive classroom you desire next school year. Ready to take action? Grab your FREE "The Ultimate Classroom Diversity Checklist" at https://customteachingsolutions.com/thechecklist Schedule a free DISCOVERY CALL at https://calendly.com/customteachingsolutions/35min Check out The Culture-Centered Tea...

In this final episode of season one I give some tough love advice, share some thoughts for consideration, and a couple tips for taking intentional action. Ready to take action? Grab your FREE "The Ultimate Classroom Diversity Checklist" at https://customteachingsolutions.com/thechecklist Schedule a free DISCOVERY CALL at https://calendly.com/customteachingsolutions/35min Check out The Culture-Cent...

This is the final episode in the Lessons with Impact Series. Listen in as I share 3 specific strategies for creating culturally relevant and responsive science lessons. Check out The Culture-Centered Teacher Workshops HERE ! Grab your FREE "The Ultimate Classroom Diversity Checklist" at https://customteachingsolutions.com/thechecklist CONNECT WITH ME: Email - Jocelynn@customteachingsolutions.com L...

In this episode I share 3 specific ways you can intentionally and effectively create culturally relevant E/LA Lessons. Whether Brit Lit or English 7, the possibilities are endless! During the episode I mentioned the movie comparison activity I have my students use. Grab it in my teacher shop: Book vs. Movie Comparison Activities Grab your FREE "The Ultimate Classroom Diversity Checklist" at https:...

On this episode, I share some strategies for effectively creating a culturally responsive social studies classroom. The three quotes I mentioned for consideration are below: “History is always written by the winners. When two cultures clash, the loser is obliterated, and the winner writes the history books—books which glorify their own cause and disparage the conquered foe. As Napoleon once said,...

This episode is the first in a series that focuses specifically on how to create culture-centered lessons in each of the four main disciplines; math, science, social studies, English/language arts. If you truly want to increase student engagement, academic achievement, and academic identity because students have an authentic love for learning, then this episode if for you!  Grab your FREE "Th...

“Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.” -Japanese Proverb You are that teacher and today is that day. In this episode I will share three reasons why I know you are the perfect teacher to create culturally responsive lessons. Grab your FREE "The Ultimate Classroom Diversity Checklist" at https://customteachingsolutions.com/thechecklist CONNECT WITH ME: Socia...

Women's History Month is a wonderful time to celebrate and support women. In this episode I share about five very special women who have had an impact in our country and in my life personally. The five authors that I mention are: Afabwaje Kurian "Butter" by Afabwaje Kurian The Art of Description Dr. Tamika Nunley "On the Threshold of Liberty: Women, Slavery, and Shifting Identities" by Dr. Tamika...

Ever wonder what all the fuss is about regarding Dr. Seuss? In this episode I will talk about how and why Read Across America became synonymous with Dr. Suess. I will also share reasons why the National Education Association, the organization that created Read Across America has separated itself from Dr. Seuss. Here are the articles I mentioned in the episode: National Education Association - Read...

Sparking joy can ignite a curiosity and desire to pursue learning in a new way. In this episode I share three ways that creating Culturally relevant lessons can spark joy in learners of all ages, studying every subject. In this episode I mention:  Dr. Gholdy Muhammad's "Cultivating Genius"   Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings' "The Dreamkeepers" & "But That's Just Good Teaching!" Do you want...

Who are you when you are your most comfortable? Your realest self? That is the authentic you. In this episode I will talk about how you can show up authentically in the classroom and why it is important to student achievement. In this episode I referenced both the Merriam Webster and Urban Dictionary definitions of authentic. Don't forget to grab your FREE "The Ultimate Classroom Diversity Checkli...

Want to chat about all things culturally responsive teaching and lessons? Hop on a Collaboration Coaching Call with me! On this episode I mentioned: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Awesomeness Sparks Retreat hosted by Raushawna Price & Eyrie Success Professional Learning Book Recommendations (Add Dreamkeepers to the list and then create email funnel) Personal Learning Book Re...

Creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom can seem overwhelming, but there are a few simple steps you can take to get started. One this episode I share the first powerful step you need to take to be successful. In this episode I mention both the Urban Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary : Culture - Urban & Merriam-Webster Competence - Urban & Merriam-Webster I also mention...

There are so many ways to celebrate the joy and richness of Black history and Black present all year long! In this episode I share 5 of my favorite, fun ways to do this with students. Don't forget to grab your FREEBIES: The Ultimate Classroom Diversity Checklist Book Recommendations Teaching Resources Mentioned: Black History Teaching Resource Bundle Black Sororities & Fraternities Teaching Re...

Black History month is right around the corner. On this episode I am sharing a part of Black history and Black present that is often not discussed in mainstream lessons. I’m talking about historically Black Greek Sororities and Fraternities . Most of these organizations have been making a positive impact in the Black community and beyond for over 100 years. Share the beauty of Black culture with y...

What if I told you that asking THREE simple questions could get you started creating powerful, culturally responsive, student centered, personalized learning experiences for ALL your students? Well, listen to this episode to find out which three questions to ask yourself and your students. Here is a great resource I created to guide my students through answering these questions before, during, and...

Let's talk about you and your power as an educator. It's a new year and the "one word" strategy is not just good for your students, it's amazing for you both personally and professionally.  Choosing a focus word will help you tap into a power that you never imagined. This power will pay dividends in life and the classroom.  HERE is a link to a "New Year - One Word Focus Activity" resourc...

New Year's resolution or one word or both? In this episode I discuss how having your students choosing one word for the year can help you and them learn more about themselves culturally. I also share 7 fun and insightful activities you can complete with your students to help them decide on a word for the new year. Didn't get a chance to jot down those activities? No problem, HERE is a blog post wh...

If the idea of creating a culture-centered classroom intrigues you, then this is the episode for you! I will break down what a culture-centered classroom is and why it is not only beneficial, but enjoyable for you and your students. Culturally Responsive Pedagogy gurus mentioned on today's episode: Dr. Gloria Ladson Billings Zaretta Hammond Dr. Geneva Gay Dr. Gholdy Muhammad Why Create A Culturall...

When you think about the word culture, what comes to mind? On this episode I break down how what we think about culture and what the dictionary says about culture both impact our understanding of the word. I also talk about how your teaching practices are impacted by your culture. Finally I talk about how your students culture impacts who they are as learners. I love to talk, so let's start a conv...

Welcome to "The Culture-Centered Classroom"! In this first episode you'll learn a little about me, my journey in education, and why I started this podcast. I love to talk, so let's start a conversation.  Leave a review or connect with me on Instagram @iTeachCustom. Make sure to grab the FREE Culture-Centered Success Kit to get started creating culturally responsive lessons today!  Connec...