Scenerio:
You are working in an early childhood setting of your choice—a hospital, a child care center, a social service agency. You receive word that the child of a family who has recently emigrated from a country you know nothing about will join your group soon. You want to prepare yourself to welcome the child and her family. Luckily, you are enrolled in a course about diversity and have learned that in order to support families who have immigrated you need to know more than surface facts about their country of origin.
If I were to gain a student from another country such as, Germany, I would have a leg up considering I have been there and know some about the culture.
However, to best be prepared, I would:
1: freshen up on popular/ common phrases
2: begin to get to know the parents and their values and their expectations
3: have the family come in early to help them get familiar with the american way of education
4: set up a time for the parents to come in and educate the class on german culture
5: implement the things that I learn regarding the german culture to most appropriately interact with the student and the family.
- These preparations help me to learn first-hand information and allows the parents to feel appreciated for who they are as well as helping them to understand the level of self-investment I have in my students as well as their families.
Haleema,
ReplyDeleteYes, Germany would be fun for me too, as I am familiar with the culture having lived there for many years also my son was born there. Taking the time to interact with the family and child without distractions is such as great way to ensure you are providing them with your fully attention and also offering the child a chance to explore the environment without being overwhelmed by others. This is something I did not consider but I am glad to have learned through your post.
Hi Haleema. I think that it would be kind of easy if you have already been to that country your family have came from. I hear that Germany is a fun place to visit. My father was stationed over there when he was in the Army. It's good to get to let the parents know that we respect their culture and expectations as well. Showing them that we respect that, it will make them feel more comfortable into coming into the classroom with their child and even trust you. Great post.
ReplyDeleteHaleema,
ReplyDeleteYou bring forth so very good ideas for learning and welcoming new families. These suggestions can be applied to all cultures and countries. Number four on your list is big, I love for parents to bring to life what some only experience in books, music, foods and pictures.
I appreciate your insight.
Schneeka