Welcoming Families From Around the World
I am working in a childcare center and I received
word that a child from a family who recently emigrated from Niger, Africa would
be enrolling in the center. The family home language is French.
I
would prepare myself to be culturally responsive by:
*Getting all the information I can obtain
about the child and her family before their arrival. (Language, culture, and
interest, number of children in family, role of children, gender roles, child’s
abilities or disabilities). Review paper work.
*Learn basic words in family home language,
also label and post names of item in family home language and English. Have a
translator available.
* Incorporating art, music, foods and
crafts from the family culture.
* Have a meeting with all staff to collaborate
on ways we all can make child and family feel welcome at the center and to discuss
any problem they foresee.
*Be aware of my own attitudes toward
cultures differences.
My overall goals are to eliminate all
bias, prejudices and discrimination that may be present, make sure the child
and her family members feel valued, respected, and welcome in the child’s learning
environment. To include all children cultural knowledge as part of the learning
environment in which all children may engage in and thrive in during their learning
process.
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteYou have some great resources to help you welcome the family into your world. In my former classroom, I taught children from Serbia, Korea, and The Ukraine. It was very interesting to hear each of them speak to their children in their native language. Sometimes I wish I could speak many languages, so I would know how to speak and interpret the languages spoken. For my families, I asked the parents about some basic words in their language, I labeled my classroom with English and native words, and I asked the families about their history. All of these things made it easier to understand and teach the children (all of them). Can you tell me how the things you will incorporate will benefit you and the new family? I enjoyed reading your post.
Lah-Lah
I appreciate you saying you'd collaborate with staff on ways to make the new family welcome, Barbara. What a great idea! I also like the idea of planning for problems that may arise. I feel most at-ease when I am well prepared. The week before conferences I always find myself anticipating parent questions and how I might respond to them. When the question actually does come up I find that my demeanor is calm and my answer comes across well-spoken and kind. Being blindsided can cause defensiveness which isn't conducive to communication.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I think getting the staff on board is the most important because you have to have the team on board to make it work.
ReplyDeleteGreat job using a real life current example! It looks as if you have a great plan in place to make this family feel welcomed and comfortable entering your center!
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteGreat and very straight to the point post. I like that you stated your overall goal should be to try and eliminate all your personal biases and prejudices. I also like that you are going to involve staff.
Faith
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! It was very descriptive and I enjoyed reading it!
Penny
Good post. You have some great ideas I am sure the families would feel very welcomed.
ReplyDelete