Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Classroom
Strategies for helping students feel more included at school
At The Big Sister Experience, we’re passionate about creating learning environments where everyone feels celebrated and supported. Students have diverse needs, and inclusivity is extremely important to their wellbeing. Teaching and practising inclusivity in the classroom starts with accommodating the needs of all students regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, mental health challenges, learning styles and so on. Feeling valued and respected by teachers sets students up to thrive both at school and beyond; which is everything we stand for!
Be culturally responsive.
Acknowledging and celebrating students’ cultural identities and lived experiences ensures every child in your class feels valued. Culturally responsive teaching involves:
Showing respect for different cultural groups’ traditions, values, and contributions to society.
Considering the material students consume as part of the curriculum; does it come from authors and sources with differing backgrounds? Are you showcasing multiple perspectives?
Encouraging acceptance and tolerance among peers by holding open discussions about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of respecting differences.
Creating opportunities for students to collaborate on group activities that celebrate cultural diversity, promoting mutual understanding and friendships.
Use inclusive language.
Words have power. Inclusive language doesn’t mean ignoring differences; but rather ensuring that the words we use respect those differences. To create a space where all identities are valued, avoid language that might alienate students based on things like gender, ability, cultural background, or family structure; like using “guardian" instead of "parent”.
Accommodate diverse learning styles.
Everyone learns differently, and while it’s important to stick to the curriculum, you should present information in a way that meets the varying needs of your classroom. The following strategies can be used to help students of all abilities feel confident in their schoolwork:
Tiered instruction, flexible grouping, or scaffolded tasks so students at every level can build on their knowledge.
Accommodations such as extra time, modified assignments, or assistive technologies to make lessons more accessible.
Offering one-on-one support or smaller groupings for students who aren’t responding well in a larger classroom.
Prepare students for changes or transitions.
Change can disrupt focus or cause anxiety for some students. It’s always a good idea to provide advance notice about schedule adjustments, new routines, or classroom arrangements. A tip: announcing changes digitally — either via an online portal, email, or even social media posts (to reach older students) — can be more effective in today’s day and age than a physical newsletter.
However, it’s also important to keep in mind the students and families who might not be able to access something like this, whether it’s due to language backgrounds or other barriers to technology. Always make sure to check in with students both before and after transitions to ensure they feel supported and understand the changes.
Incorporate both visual and audio cues in lessons.
Accessibility is the key to making sure all students feel seen and heard.
Use visuals like charts, symbols, or colour-coded systems to support comprehension, especially for non-native speakers or students with learning difficulties.
Pair visuals with verbal instructions to ensure all learning styles are addressed.
Consider tools like visual timers or auditory signals to help students manage their time and stay engaged.
Create a culture of acceptance.
Making sure that the atmosphere of inclusion extends beyond the four walls of your classroom means encouraging students to support each other. How can you prompt them to respect their differences and recognise the value of diversity? Maybe it’s by highlighting teamwork, or communicating these expectations with anti-bullying programs and zero-tolerance policies.
Representation matters.
When students see themselves reflected in the classroom — through books, images, lessons, and role models — it validates their identity and creates a sense of belonging. Diverse representation also helps them appreciate other perspectives, breaking down stereotypes and promoting empathy.
Ensure that classroom decor, literature, and learning materials reflect diverse cultures, abilities, and family structures.
Bring in guest speakers to highlight underrepresented perspectives.
Allow students to share their personal stories, achievements, or cultural practices to foster mutual respect and understanding.
Understanding and appreciating diversity in the classroom is really important for student wellbeing. The Big Sister Experience is a movement with the mission to uplift and empower female-identifying students – something we can only achieve with an open-minded and inclusive perspective.
If you’re interested in our holistic student mental health programs covering everything from self-love to socialising and consent; you can learn more about The Big Sister Experience secondary school wellbeing programs here.