10 Exciting Cultural Diversity Games for Students to Build Understanding and Inclusion
Introduction:
Cultural diversity is an important aspect of society. Supporting diversity and inclusion in schools is critical for creating an environment that fosters respect, empathy and toleration. Inclusivity also helps our educational system to be more equitable, making it easier for all students to feel valued and supported. In this article, we will discuss ten exciting cultural diversity games for students to build understanding and inclusion.
1. The ‘Who Am I?’ game:
The classic ‘Who Am I?’ game can be played by students in small groups. Have students write down famous names and affix them on their foreheads or backs. Each student has to figure out who they are based on the clues provided by the other students. This game promotes the discussion of shared values and encourages students to appreciate different beliefs and backgrounds.
2. The ‘Human Knot’ game:
The Human Knot is a good team-building game that helps students recognize the benefits of working together. Students should form a circle, hold hands with others, or take hold of a few fingers of two different people standing opposite them, forming a human knot. The group then has to untangle themselves, releasing each other’s hands one by one, to form a human chain. This game relies on individuals working together and communicating to reach a common goal, making it a great game for promoting inclusivity.
3. ‘Cultural Categories’ game:
In the Cultural Categories game, one person calls out a specific culture or country, and the others have to think of something related to that culture. Students take turns to call out a culture. The first person to fail to come up with an answer has to take a seat. This game encourages students to think about different cultures and to learn about different traditions and unique events.
4. ‘Switch the World’ game:
The ‘Switch the World’ is an active game and can be played with any number of students. The game entails students to switch a place with any other student with instructions given by the teacher. The game is intended to raise student’s understanding of different cultures, faiths, and abilities and how certain cultural limitations can affect our everyday behaviors. The game can be used in sessions that discuss respectful conduct and responsive culture and identity.
5. ‘I’m a Migrant’ game:
In this game, students are presented with different contexts of migration that different people experience. When the timeline finishes, the teacher distributes post-it notes, and students must write down the name and public places that correspond to the situation. Students will learn that there are various reasons why people migrate and it’s our responsibility to welcome them and help them feel included.
6. ‘Jigsaw’ game:
A classic teaching resource for promoting teamwork and developing community, the Jigsaw game, entails students forming small groups. Students discuss a particular piece of information, collaborate with their colleagues, master the subject at hand, then share what they’ve learned with other groups. This game highlights how every group member adds to the collective group knowledge, regardless of their unique skill set.
7. ‘The Hot Seat’ game:
In the Hot Seat game, students have to put themselves in the position of another person, trying to explain how someone from a different culture may think, feel or act. This game pushes students to think beyond their own worldly view and will help students to be more empathetic towards others.
8. ‘Ethnic Dress-Up’ game:
The Ethnic Dress-Up game is an exciting way to bring together students. Students will dress up in different traditional outfits to promote diversity and inclusion. This game is a culturally sensitive and respectful way to show appreciation for different backgrounds and cultures.
9. ‘Celebration Around the World’ game:
Celebration Around the World is an informative game that highlights various global celebrations and cultural traditions. This game is part of a cumulative lesson on diversity. Students will learn about different foods, clothing, and values from various cultures.
10. ‘Cultural Parade’ game:
A Cultural Parade is a great game/ activity to celebrate cultural diversity. Students can show off their ethnic attire, flags, and even dance to celebrate diversity and promote respect for all. The Parade gives everyone the chance to showcase their unique culture and can help foster a stronger sense of community.
Conclusion:
Playing cultural diversity games is a great way to promote inclusivity and develop an understanding of different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. It also helps to create an atmosphere for encouraging and engaging young minds in an open-minded way. By using these exciting and fun ways of learning, we can build communities of respect, appreciation, and understanding, making our society more inclusive, compassionate, and tolerant for everyone.
