The face of the United States is constantly evolving. As we navigate our diverse population, our children look to us for guidance on how to treat one another with respect and kindness. One of the most impactful lessons schools can offer is teaching students to embrace and appreciate differences. October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, so it’s a perfect opportunity to host a school assembly. Celebrate the unique qualities of your students, their peers, and the wider community with some of these thoughtful ideas.
Engage large groups with captivating presentations
Large assemblies are a great way to engage students at once and deliver a powerful message. Whether through inspirational stories or laughter, these presentations can spark important conversations about inclusivity. They’re ideal for setting the tone to celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month. They encourage students to think critically about their role in fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.
Inspire with a speaker
Motivational speakers are a powerful way to engage large groups of students and address important, sometimes sensitive, topics like racism, homophobia, and stereotypes. By sharing personal stories of challenges and growth, a motivational speaker can help students grasp the significance of acceptance and empathy.
To ensure the content is appropriate, it’s important to review the material with the speaker beforehand, tailoring it to the age group. While older students tend to connect more deeply with these assemblies, younger students can also benefit when the message is presented in a relatable way.
Lighten up with laughter
Diversity doesn’t have to be a heavy topic all the time — laughter can be a bridge to understanding. Hiring a stand-up comedian who addresses racial differences or gender stereotypes with humor can open the door to meaningful conversations.
Comedians with different experiences can uniquely weave stories for the audience. Subjects can range from disability to racism and can offer a fresh perspective while keeping things lighthearted. Laughter is a universal language, and it can help foster a more inclusive environment by breaking down barriers between groups.
Put stories in the spotlight
Another fantastic large group option is hosting an interactive storytelling session, where a professional storyteller brings cultural tales to life. Stories from diverse backgrounds can open students’ minds to new perspectives. This helps them appreciate the values and experiences that shape people from around the world.
Interactive elements, like asking students to act out parts of the story or participate in sound effects, keep them engaged while creating a sense of empathy and understanding. A shared storytelling experience can leave a lasting impression and spark curiosity about the wider world.
🖤 Planning an assembly in February? Check out: Unique Entertainment Ideas for a Black History Month Event
Facilitate personal connections with small group workshops
When students participate in small group workshops, they have the opportunity to connect on a deeper, more personal level. These intimate settings allow for open discussions, personal reflection, and shared experiences. These are all essential in understanding and appreciating diversity. Workshops encourage students to actively engage with the subject matter and with each other, creating a more meaningful and lasting impact.
Activity: Circles of My Multicultural Self
This activity encourages students to reflect on key aspects of their identity and share their experiences with stereotypes. Through inward reflection and partner sharing, students discuss how harmful stereotypes can be. In a larger group setting, they share stories of times they were personally affected. This exercise is a great option for Diversity Awareness Month to help students see their classmates in a new light and foster empathy. Get the full instructions from EdChange.org.
Share through the spoken word
A spoken word artist can make a profound impact on small groups of students by encouraging them to express their thoughts and emotions through poetry. In an intimate workshop setting, the artist can share personal stories and performances that highlight themes like identity, inclusion, and overcoming adversity.
They can guide students through exercises in self-expression, helping them to craft their own pieces and find their voice. By creating a safe space for sharing and listening, a spoken word artist fosters empathy and connection, empowering students to see the power of their words and the value of diverse perspectives.
Video Workshop: Understanding LGBTQ+ Experiences
In addition to cultural and racial differences, many students face discrimination based on sexual orientation. Promoting acceptance includes helping students understand the struggles faced by their LGBTQ+ peers.
For older students, screening a documentary like Coming Out: Exploring the Stories of Gay Teenagers (produced by The New York Times) can provide a powerful, real-world perspective. Afterward, lead a discussion using questions that encourage students to reflect on how stereotypes or misunderstandings affect their own lives and the lives of others. In addition, The Learning Network has some great discussion questions to encourage more conversation on the topic afterward.
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Let culture take center stage
Showcasing different performances from around the world is an exciting way to introduce students to diverse traditions. These performances are not only entertaining but also offer students a unique glimpse into the rich cultures that exist within their own communities and beyond. It’s a fun and accessible way to celebrate cultural diversity in your school.
Mix up the music
A great introduction to new cultures, especially among younger children, is an artistic or world musical show. Many students may have only been exposed to music or art their parents enjoy. So, those types of school assembly ideas that also embrace diversity can work really well. It can capture their attention and begin to show them that our differences can be beautiful.
Music from Mariachi bands or Asian entertainment like Japanese Taiko drum shows can open up a whole new world to students. Some shows can even let the students participate so they can get the full experience!
Dance to a different beat
A multicultural dance festival is a high-energy way to engage students and celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month. Professional dance troupes can perform traditional dances from various countries—such as African dance, Irish stepdance, or Brazilian samba—while explaining the roots and significance behind the movements.
Some performances even allow students to join in and learn basic dance steps. This offers them a hands-on way to appreciate the beauty of different expressions. A dance festival brings color, music, and movement to life while teaching the importance of honoring different traditions.
Focus on fashion
Expand your students’ understanding of cultural differences by hosting an international fashion show. Students and performers wear traditional clothing from countries around the world, offering a vibrant display of the rich backgrounds that make up our communities.
Each outfit can be accompanied by a short explanation of its significance to the culture. This gives students context about the customs and traditions tied to these beautiful garments. A fashion event not only highlights diversity but also instills pride in students who see their own heritage celebrated on stage.
👉 Looking for more ways to entertain the kids? Check out: Ideas for a School Assembly Guaranteed to Engage Students
Choosing the right approach to promoting diversity in your school can be challenging, but it’s a vital step in creating an inclusive environment where all students feel seen and valued. Whether you opt for large group presentations or small, hands-on workshops, exposing your students to diverse experiences and perspectives is key to building empathy and understanding. By celebrating the differences that make us unique, you’re helping shape a more compassionate, inclusive generation — and that’s something worth applauding. 🤝
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.