Students arriving in Canada bring diverse educational experiences, languages, cultures, and social-emotional needs. Many face challenges adjusting to a new school environment, including language barriers, separation from family and friends, unfamiliar routines, and new living situations. Some students may also carry the effects of trauma experienced in their home countries or during their journey.
Schools play a critical role in supporting both the personal wellbeing and academic success of newcomer students. At the same time, inclusive classrooms benefit all learners by creating environments where students feel valued, respected, and connected.
Inclusion means intentionally structuring schools, classrooms, and lessons so every student can participate and learn together. A truly inclusive environment supports students with learning differences, challenges gifted learners, and respects people from all cultures and backgrounds. Inclusive schools succeed when students feel they genuinely belong—something built through open conversations about differences and a shared commitment to understanding.
Key Approaches for Educators
Educators can support newcomer students and foster inclusion by:
- Getting to know students and their individual needs
- Creating welcoming classroom environments
- Working with families, guardians, and sponsors
- Connecting newcomers to community resources
- Promoting diversity, fairness, and mutual respect
Inclusive Classroom Practices
Practical strategies that support learning and belonging include:
- Allowing students to write in their first language during their initial adjustment period
- Encouraging drawing or illustrating ideas before adding words
- Providing language supports such as Google Translate or bilingual dictionaries
- Setting clear and consistent expectations
- Modeling tasks and outcomes rather than expecting immediate verbal or written responses
- Pairing newcomers with peers for support rather than isolating them
- Using translation tools, interpreters, or multilingual peers during instruction
- Offering scaffolding instead of expecting students to navigate learning independently
- Focusing on strengths and celebrating progress
- Ensuring students’ names are pronounced and spelled correctly
These approaches help students build relationships, develop confidence, strengthen listening skills, expand vocabulary, and engage with learning.
Educators can further promote inclusion by:
- Talking about different cultures in the classroom
- Celebrating diverse festivals and traditions throughout the year
- Inviting students to share cultural stories and perspectives
- Building classroom libraries that reflect many cultures and languages
- Taking a community-based approach to learning by bringing community voices into classrooms
- Encouraging open dialogue, listening actively, and valuing each student’s lived experience
Small actions—such as learning a student’s name correctly or creating space for their story—can make a powerful difference in helping students feel welcomed and respected.
Community Support
Lanark & Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services (LRISS) partners with schools through the Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) program. SWIS workers support newcomer students and families as they adjust to the Canadian school system by promoting inclusive, culturally responsive practices, strengthening communication between home and school, and connecting families to language supports and community resources.
Further resources:
Further reading on creating inclusivity in classrooms:
- How to create an inclusive classroom environment
- Create an Inclusive & Positive Class Climate
- 5 Inclusive Classroom Strategies To Build A Safe Community
- 25 Activities to Teach and Promote Inclusivity
