How to effectively integrate local traditions into your teaching
Category: News
Published: 30 January 2025
International teachers
Teaching in a foreign country is an opportunity to embrace local culture and incorporate its unique traditions into your classroom. By doing so, you not only enrich your lessons but also create a sense of belonging for students who see their cultural heritage valued and celebrated.
In this blog, we explore practical tips for integrating local traditions into your teaching.
Research the local culture
Before diving in, spend time learning about the cultural traditions of your host country. This could include festivals, historical events, art forms, or notable figures. Speak to local colleagues, read books, or attend community events to gain insights. Understanding the significance of these traditions ensures you approach them with respect and authenticity.
Tie traditions to your curriculum
Look for ways to align local traditions with the subjects you teach. For example:
History: Discuss how historical events shaped local festivals.
Art: Introduce traditional crafts or art styles into creative assignments.
Literature: Explore local folklore, poetry, or authors in reading assignments.
Science: Investigate indigenous knowledge systems, such as traditional farming or astronomy. This approach makes the content relevant and engaging while meeting curriculum objectives.
Celebrate cultural festivals
Bring cultural celebrations into your classroom by incorporating activities related to local holidays or festivals. For instance, you could:
Create art projects inspired by festival themes.
Organise a classroom “mini-festival” with music, food, and traditional dress.
Teach students greetings or phrases in the local language. These activities foster inclusivity and excitement among your students.
Involve students and parents
Invite students and their families to share their experiences and knowledge of local traditions. This could include storytelling, cooking demonstrations, or showcasing traditional clothing. Not only does this encourage community involvement, but it also gives students a sense of pride in their heritage.
Use local resources
Tap into resources like museums, cultural centres, or local experts to deepen your understanding and enhance lessons. Many organisations are happy to provide materials or guest speakers to support cultural education.
Be mindful of sensitivities
While celebrating local traditions is enriching, it’s important to be aware of potential sensitivities. Not all students or their families may observe the same traditions, so approach these activities with inclusivity in mind. Make participation optional and ensure no one feels excluded or uncomfortable.
Document and reflect
Encourage students to document their learning through journals, presentations, or art projects. Reflect on how incorporating these traditions impacted your teaching and the students’ engagement. This feedback can guide you in refining your approach for future lessons.
Incorporating local traditions into your teaching is a rewarding way to connect with your students and community. By celebrating culture in the classroom, you’ll create a richer learning environment that honours diversity and fosters mutual respect. Plus, you’ll learn a lot along the way, making your teaching journey even more fulfilling.
Full access
To career opportunities across the globe
$50
USD
per year
Paid membership
Ability to create a unique educator profile that holds your references and important documents, such as teaching qualifications, all in one location.
Access to our entire database of 400+ international schools representing 100+ countries.
5,000+ teaching vacancies every recruitment season.
Unlimited number of job applications.
Custom alerts so you’re the first to hear when your preferred roles are posted.
Access to virtual and in-person recruitment events with school leaders and recruiters.
Since signing up with Schrole we have been very impressed by the customer service, the modern-looking online platform, the absence of placement fees, and the various other Schrole products that we may be able to benefit from in the future. We have filled a number of positions this year with candidates from Schrole, during a particularly difficult recruitment year for us. The customer service is terrific. It seems that Schrole is leading the way in moving teacher recruitment into the 2020's.
Joe Lumsden
Secondary School Principal
Stonehill International School
Your browser is outdated. For the full experience please update.