Global Diversity Awareness Month in the Classroom
October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, a wonderful opportunity to help students learn about and celebrate the rich variety of cultures, traditions, and perspectives that make up our world.
In today’s classrooms, where students may come from many different backgrounds, this month offers a meaningful way to build understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging.
1. Explore World Cultures Through Books
Introduce students to picture books and stories from around the globe. Choose titles that highlight diverse characters, traditions, and experiences. After reading, invite students to reflect on what they learned and how it connects to their own lives. A “Read Your World” classroom library can be a year-round resource.
Classroom Tip: Create a rotating display of multicultural books for students to browse independently.
2. Celebrate with Food, Music, Art & Games
Bring the world into your classroom through sensory experiences:
- Share photos or videos of traditional foods, and if possible, do a simple tasting activity.
- Play music from different countries. Find resources here.
- Introduce an art activity inspired by a culture (e.g., Mexican papel picado or Aboriginal dot paintings).
- Map activities, flag matching, and “Where in the World?” trivia can make learning about world geography and cultures both educational and fun.
- Play traditional games from around the globe. Try these 3 for FREE!
These activities help students connect with cultures in a hands-on and engaging way.
3. Host a “Culture Share” Day
Invite students to share something from their own family’s culture or a culture they are curious about, such as a story, a recipe, a song, or an object. This empowers students to be both teachers and learners.
4. Explore Countries
Click on our world map to explore country profiles. Each one includes a detailed country map, informational video, photo gallery, infographic, recommended books, and learning activities.
These 400 cards are designed to ignite students’ curiosity, help sharpen geography skills, discover fascinating facts about our diverse world, and draw meaningful connections between their own culture and others.
5. Reflect on Respect and Inclusion
Use this month to highlight classroom values of kindness, respect, and inclusivity. Discussions about diversity should connect to how we treat others every day. Ask students: “How can we celebrate differences in our classroom community?”
Why It Matters
When students experience different cultures, they gain empathy, global awareness, and an appreciation for perspectives beyond their own. Global Diversity Awareness Month is a chance not only to highlight differences but also to celebrate the common values that unite us all.