Tolerance

Oxford dictionary defines tolerance as the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with. It is inevitable in life that we will experience or witness behaviours and opinions that we disagree with. However the great challenge to such an experience is how you react to and overcome such views. It is easy to simply accept that we don't agree but to tolerate assimilation and accommodation of knowledge to deepen our understanding of controversial or disagreeable situations.

Culture shock is a common occurrence and in many opinions avoidable but it is how we deal with and react to the shock that is important. Tolerance needs to start with children in classrooms. If we want to make the world a more understanding place, we need to start with children. They are the impressionable ones that are still forming their perceptions of the world, and it’s so important for them to have positive role models and good influences in their lives. Not just in reference to religious and racial differences, promoting tolerance applies to gender, physical/intellectual disabilities, size, shape, and everything in between. Open-mindedness and tolerance is 'one of the most important tools a child needs in his or her social toolbox' (Areeba, 2011). Learning to be tolerant and respectful of others is key to being successful in life. A lack of education can lead to stereotyping groups of individuals, and denying the qualities that make them unique. When a child learns to be open-minded about the various cultures, foods, people, and faiths surrounding them, the easier it will be for them to accept others when they get older.

The classroom environment should be open, friendly and inviting for all pupils to share comfortable their thoughts and feelings. It should be a democratic classroom which supports respect and equality of all. The teacher should provide opportunities for the pupils to share and learn about a variety of traditions, cultures, religions etc. Children with different mother talks should have opportunities to speak and share words from their mother tongue. Moreover the teacher needs to be a role model of tolerance, open-mindedness and empathy. The teacher will promote openness and respect by demonstrating empathy and compassion through their words and actions. How the teacher reacts in class will have an impact on how the children react when they go into the world. Children should have opportunities to share and work together in groups in a variety of subjects. Additionally setting clear classroom rules helps develop respect and mutual learning within the classroom. Everybody inside the school setting and outside should have freedom to speak openly and respect others opinions. Instead of provoking arguments people should aim to ask questions to further their understanding. For differences and uniqueness is not something to be feared but rather something to be honoured, respected and embraced.

Asking open questions regarding habits in a particular society is the key to gaining more knowledge and insight to the differences. By asking questions you are assimilating new knowledge and developing cognitive schemes. From the addition of this knowledge you can accommodate and adapt to the surrounding environment.

Questions:
How do you greet one another?
What gestures are socially unacceptable?
What are the table/eating rules?
What traditions do you celebrate?
What do you believe in and why?
What food is typical for this culture?
Is there a socially acceptable dress code?

By simply showing a willingness to learn more and wanting to try to accommodate will further others to be open and help you develop a greater understanding.