10 Ways to Introduce International Mindedness Into Your Classroom
International mindedness is all about understanding, respecting, and valuing the diversity of people and cultures around the our world. It’s a powerful mindset that prepares students to become responsible, empathetic global citizens.
Here are 10 practical ways to weave international mindedness into everyday teaching:
1. Celebrate Cultural Diversity Through Classroom Displays
How: Create a world map where students can pin their heritage countries or places they’ve visited. Rotate displays featuring global festivals, art, and traditions.
Example: Showcase Lunar New Year, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, and other cultural celebrations. Include artifacts, images, and student-created art.
2. Bring Global Literature Into Your Curriculum
How: Incorporate books, poems, and stories written by authors from different cultures.
Example:
Elementary: Mirror by Jeannie Baker (Australia/Morocco). Secondary: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (Nigeria) or Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (Iran).
Impact: Students gain perspectives beyond their own cultural lens.
3. Learn Key Phrases in Multiple Languages
How: Dedicate a few minutes a week to learning greetings or expressions in different languages.
Example: Teach students how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” in 10 languages.
Extension: Students research the languages spoken in their community and share them with the class.
4. Connect With Classrooms Around the World
How: Partner with a school in another country for pen-pal letters or virtual exchanges.
Example: Organize a joint project where students share their daily lives through videos or photos, then compare similarities and differences.
5. Incorporate Global Issues Into Lessons
How: Link your curriculum to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or other global challenges.
Example:
In science, explore how climate change affects different regions. In math, analyze global statistics on access to clean water.
6. Explore International Music, Art, and Food
How: Dedicate a lesson or week to studying the cultural significance of food, music, or art.
Example: Listen to traditional instruments from around the world, study Aboriginal dot painting techniques, or host a “taste of the world” day.
7. Invite Guest Speakers From Diverse Backgrounds
How: Bring in parents, community members, or international experts (virtually or in person) to share their culture or global experiences.
Example: A local entrepreneur can discuss how their business connects to international markets, or a parent can share traditions from their home country.
8. Encourage Students to Explore Their Own Cultural Heritage
How: Assign projects where students research and present their family history, cultural traditions, or ancestry.
Example: Students create a “cultural heritage box” filled with symbols, recipes, and artifacts representing their background.
9. Participate in Global Action or Service Projects
How: Choose a cause that connects to a global need and design a class or schoolwide initiative.
Example: Fundraise for clean water initiatives, partner with international charities, or run an awareness campaign for a global issue.
10. Foster Perspective-Taking and Open-Minded Dialogue
How: Use literature circles, debates, or current events discussions to help students consider multiple viewpoints.
Example: Discuss how media coverage of the same global event may differ in various countries and why.
Final Thoughts
International mindedness isn’t just a unit or one-off activity—it’s a mindset woven into the daily fabric of teaching and learning. By implementing even a few of these ideas, you’ll help students develop empathy, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation of the world’s diversity.