Abstract
As Ralph Waldo Emerson states, “The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil” (Bradley, Daniels, & Jones, 1960, p. 242). Many educators find their classrooms filled with students of diverse cultures. Yet, the curriculum provided for these students does not allow them to identify with the texts. In order for an educator to respect his/her students and show that he/she is consciously aware of their culture, he/she must investigate further into the students’ homes, cultures, and lives. By doing so, educators can create a culturally responsive classroom by attaining culturally relevant texts, using culturally responsive teaching strategies, and creating or modifying curriculum to meet the needs of those students. Educators must ensure that all modifications remain connected to federal or state standards. This language arts unit has been developed in response to a one-size-fits-all curriculum and a growing need for students of color to be successful in their academics. The lessons found in the appendix are connected to California State Standards and require a teacher to decide if he/she will use this as a supplementary curriculum or as an independent resource to improve students’ understanding of the chosen standards found in the appendix.