How to Teach a Diversity Lesson with Guest Speakers

Sometimes an example is the best way to present a new idea. Students of any age understand diversity better--even those who have limited exposure to other cultures, lifestyles or religions--if you give them a story to follow. Specific characters or events will inspire them much more than any generic discussion about diversity. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lesson Plans
• Potential Guest Speakers
• Class of Students
• Chairs for Guest Speakers

The Preparation Stage

1. Write lesson plans appropriate to your subject and students that focus on the diversity of everyday people. When scheduling the amount of time needed for this lesson, include a day of guest speakers.
2. Decide what types of diversity you want to cover, remembering that sexuality and religion are generally not allowed in public schools. These topics are excellent for college classes, though.
3. Select a date for the guests to visit your class. When selecting a date (or dates) consider what you plan to lead in with, what assignments or discussions will need to be done before the guests come in,
4. Send out emails or make phone calls to find available and willing people to fit your chosen categories (various religions, ethnicity or nationality, sexual orientation, careers, family life or relationship status).
5. Verify your guests and provide them with any lesson plans connected to their visit to aid them in knowing what types of questions and discussion to expect.

When the Guests Arrive

6. Introduce each speaker to the class briefly so students know the backgrounds and can begin to formulate questions.
7. Allow guests to talk about themselves for 2 to 3 minutes, giving basic information (to their comfort level) about themselves, and slightly more specific information about their particular area of diversity.
8. Invite the students to ask questions, moderating the question and answer period and any resulting discussion.
9. Thank your guests at the end of class.

Tips & Warnings

• Types of lessons and guests will depend on the subject and age level you teach.
• Check with colleagues for guest speaker suggestions-they often know willing people of various backgrounds.
• If the age of your students requires this type of warning, be sure to inform them that rude questions will not be tolerated.

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