“Cultural Respect: The Diversity of Latin America” This presentation will explore and discuss the diversity of the countries of Latin America as well as the heritage of Latinos/Hispanics living in the United States. It will provide teachers and administrators with an overview of the geography, history, traditions, foods and accomplishments of Latin America. Workshop attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of “Latino/Hispanic” culture and its diversity and therefore be better prepared to teach and interact with students and families of Latin American background. This presentation will also provide an opportunity for participants to learn about the many accomplishments of Latin American and Caribbean professionals such as artists, writers, musicians, and culinary experts. With this knowledge, participants will find inspiration and new materials for their own lessons/units dealing with Latin America. Additionally, we hope to support the Independent School community to create a climate of cultural respect within their schools i.e. faculty, students, parents, administrators, and board members.

1. A Latino Student Fund Presentation Rosalia Miller Maria FernandaBorja Susan Mantilla-Goin Margaret Mountjoy February 25, 2011, Block 5, 11:30am-12:30pm 1 Exploring Cultural Respectthrough the Latino Perspective

2. Presentation Goals Summarize the geographical, cultural and historical backgrounds of people considered Hispanic or Latino. Establish guidelines for developing cultural respect in schools and the greater community. Discuss the importance of diversity and cultural respect among people with emphasis on these topics in the context of an independent school setting. Equip educators with a starter toolkit for creating culturally sensitive lesson plans focused on the Latino/Hispanic population. 2

3. Latinos/Hispanics in the United States 3 If current trends continue, the Latino/Hispanic population, already the nation’s largest minority group, will triple in size and will account for most of the nation’s population growth from 2005-2050. The value and importance of diversity in the school community is becoming recognized more and more each day. Having a general understanding of the history, culture and traditions of the Latino/Hispanic population living in the United States will help you act as a more effective teacher/administrator.

4. Latinos/Hispanics in the United States 4 The 4 largest Latino/Hispanic population groups in the United States are from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and El Salvador.

5. Geography 5

6. People 6

7. Multicultural Perspectives 7 While most Latinos/Hispanics share a common language and cultural ancestry, the present diversity among this sector of the population makes it difficult to speak in generalities. It is important to recognize the differences between people of various Latino/Hispanic countries who are often referenced as a homogeneous group among people in the United States. As educators, we should take the time to recognize differences and celebrate collective accomplishments among this group of people. Latinos/Hispanics share a cultural richness in terms of art, music, literature, film, etc. that continues to flourish today.

8. Shared Present: Cultural Richness 8 Jennifer Lopez- Puerto Rico Ruben Blades- Panama Pele-Brazil Frida- Mexico Cameron Diaz- Cuba & Spain Gabriel Garcia Marquez-Colombia America Ferrera- Honduras Benjamin Bratt - Peru

9. Shared Present: Cultural Richness 9 Miguel de Cervantes (Spain): Don Quixote Tango! Romero Britto (Brazil): Kids Heart Host of the 2014 World Cup Diego Rivera (Mexico) : Girl with Lillies Gaudi (Spain): La Casa Batllo

10. Shared Present: Cultural Richness 10 Latino/Hispanic people are very resilient and have maintained strong cultural traditions revolving around Community Family Hospitality Faith Latin America is also known for its Modernity Music, Art, Literature, Film, etc… Cuisine Economic Power & Growth especially in recent years

11. Hispanics/Latinos Across the United States 11

12. Group Discussion #1: Please turn to your group members and discuss the questions below. 12 Do you know where the majority of Latinos/Hispanics in your area originally came from? (Are they first generation?) Do you know what the breakdown of Latino/Hispanic students is in your classroom/school? As teachers or administrators, how do you show respect for the various cultures and backgrounds of your students?

13. Establishing Cultural Respect 13 One of the most important parts of establishing cultural respect is recognizing differences between people and trying to relate to one another as we did in the group discussion. As educators, we need to make a conscious effort to avoid making assumptions about people and teach our students to approach others that way as well. It is important to remember that not all people classified as “Latino” or “Hispanic” are the same and have varied experiences, goals and reasons for being in the United States.

14. Why is it so important to teach cultural sensitivity and awareness? Students who attend schools with a diverse population can develop an understanding of the perspectives of children from different backgrounds and learn to function in a multicultural, multiethnic environment. Cultural respect and sensitivity eradicates feelings of prejudice and superiority amongst people. With growing ethnic, cultural, racial, language and religious diversity throughout the world, schools needs to give students the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required to function in our increasingly diverse society. 14

15. Group Discussion #2: Please turn to your group members and discuss the questions below. 15 How do you develop cultural sensitivity and awareness now? What are some of the challenges that you face?

16. Latinos/Hispanics in the Independent School World By 2050, 39 percent of U.S. children are projected to be Latino/Hispanic (up from 22 percent in 2009). Childstats.gov, 2010 At the national level, Latino/Hispanic children make up about 3.7% of the total independent school student enrollment. (NAIS 2009) "Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected.” -Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations 16

17. Challenges: 17 Individual Challenges: Put yourself in a situation in which you are the minority. Write down your thoughts and feelings. Talk: Ask people about their experiences as minorities in the United States. Research and reflect on cultures other than your own. Collaborative Challenges: Work to provide equal opportunities in education for young Latinos/Hispanics across the United States. Consciously utilize culturally relevant materials in your classroom and when designing lesson plans.

18. Latino/Hispanic Specific Lesson Plans 18 Service Learning & Checklist- Organize your students to volunteer at a local non-profit that benefits Latinos/Hispanics and other minorities. Example: Latino Student Fund (Tutoring Program) When life hands you a lemon, peel it! Activity Latino/Hispanic Heritage Book List: http://www.scholastic.com/librarians/ab/bklist_hispanic.htm Demographics- Comparison Matrix Visit the LSF website for more ideas: www.latinostudentfund.org

19. Thank you for your participation! 19 For further information visit www.latinostudentfund.org or call 202-244-3438