Welcoming Families From Around the World
When I was in the 6th grade I became
friends with a very sweet and friendly little girl who I will call Frances. She was originally from the
area but had just moved back to our home town from Egypt. Her father was in the
military and had moved the family back home because he was about to retire and
begin a job in law enforcement. We never really talked into detail about her
living in Egypt but she did mention that she loved it there, because where they
lived it was always something to do. I was so fascinated with the fact that she
had lived so far away in a place that I thought was very interesting. Which is
the reason why I choose to pick this country. I think it would be so amazing
and rewarding have a student that was from Egypt or any foreign country, we
could learn so much from each other.
I love to do research so of course I would gather as
much information about the family as I could before I actually met them. When I
am done doing this I would contact the family personally, just to introduce
myself and to let them know how excited I am about welcoming them and their
child to our classroom family and community. I feel that when you contact
people directly you show them that they are important to you and not just
another contact in your professional contact list. Secondly I would develop and
use vocabulary of greetings and key phrases in their primary language. This can serve as an “ice breaker” and may
make the family feel more comfortable with me.
It shows that them that, at least, I have taken time to enter into their
world (www.dds.ca.gov/Publications/docs/Culturally_Responsive.pdf).
I have seen this done before in the classroom
and it really works, even if the parents have to correct you they appreciate
the effort.
Next I would become educated on their cultural beliefs, which would
also take some researching. I would research things like what are their religious
beliefs just in case they don’t want their child to participate in some of the
programs that we have that are geared towards the holidays that we celebrate. I
would go ahead and plan what I would have the child to do so they wouldn’t feel
left out or feel if they are a burden. People and especially children like to
see things that remind them of home when they are entering a new environment,
so therefore I would try and find artifacts that are from their culture, for
instance I might find clothing or pictures of Egypt and put them around the
classroom. I might even try to get the cafeteria staff to prepare a small meal
or snack from Egypt for them when they come to visit the center. Lastly I would
try to discover some commonalities of experiences. This may be a hobby, styles
of cooking, parenting secrets or anything that we both may have in common. These
experiences would be used to establish a “bond.” Which will help us relate to each other as
individuals rather than as “clients” (www.dds.ca.gov/Publications/docs/Culturally_Responsive.pdf).
A health home school bond is
always a key factor, it helps the child to feel more comfortable knowing that
they are supported by both parties.
Being culturally responsive
will benefit both me and the family from Egypt, because it will help both if us
to be effective communicators. It will also cause students to be effective listeners.
It will also help the students to become more motivated to get acquainted with
the classroom and also their American Classmates. For instance if we decided to
have a flag ceremony the new students might be excited and eager to tell about
their country when it’s time for them to present their flag. By linking their
culture and the new knowledge and skills they encounter inside school is at the
heart of ensuring that all students achieve at high level (www.nea.org/assets/docs/PB13_CulturalCompetence08.pdf)
I would hope that all of my efforts would show
the new family that they are more than welcome to our center and community.
Also for them not hesitate if they need help with any of their family needs, because
we would be more than happy to assist them.
References
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Focw.jhsph.edu%2Fviews%2Fcourses%2FFamilyPlanning%2FhomePageImage.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Focw.jhsph.edu%2Findex.cfm%2Fgo%2FviewCourse%2Fcourse%2FFamilyPlanning%2FcoursePage%2Findex%2F&docid=GI1nCiMRkUXM0M&tbnid=zO-Nek2ZqVqkVM%3A&vet=1&w=361&h=259&bih=612&biw=1301&q=families%20from%20Egypt&ved=0ahUKEwiOwqf7v-rQAhXGMSYKHVlGBQgQMwhIKCEwIQ&iact=mrc&uact=8)
Leah thanks for sharing, you have some very interesting goals and suggestions. I think that your family from Egypt will feel very welcomed and appreciated. I have learned that, young children and their families reflect a great and rapidly increasing diversity of language and culture. The National Association for the Education of Young Children’s(NAEYC) recommendations emphasize that early childhood programs are responsible for creating a welcoming environment that respects diversity, supports children’s ties to their families and community, and promotes both second language
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Reference:
https://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
Well stated. I enjoyed reading your blog towards the reason on why you chose to select Egypt. While reading your blog, I notice how you stated interesting points on how you will prepare yourself for the family in Egypt. I personally feel that doing research is a great way to understand about families from different cultures. Also while reading your blog, I notice how you mentioned that getting in contact with families is showing that they are important to you. I personally feel that making families from different cultures feel special is the best way to go because, this is a way to start off building a strong positive relationship. As professional teachers working in the early childhood program it is very important role towards knowing how to communicate with children and families from different cultural backgrounds.
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