These students have so much more baggage to carry when entering a classroom that looks different from what they are used to, or where they originate from in their native country, or even their own household! The classroom should be a common ground of everyone to have the opportunity to learn, but these students struggle because they can feel like they are not a part of the class community due to their culture and background. They work so hard to fit in and wanting to be like their peers, though sometimes even with the teachers, the effort put forth by others in wanting to embrace their background and culture can be minimal. I really connected with the "learning about your students background". I cherish my family history, my background, and where I come from. I should only be giving that same result and effort into my students and their heritage. This begins with their name. Asking them to help you, showing them that you are trying, and are learning about them through this process is sometimes enough for the students to know they are being accepted.
