My families' country of origin is China. The five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive to my family is by first learning all I can about their native language. They will be more comfortable if I am knowledgeable about their language and I understand how they communicate. Second I will make certain that my classroom's atmosphere has a touch of families in different countries, the various foods that they eat, and their cultural beliefs. This will give the families a sense of belonging. The third way in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive to my family is to create a partnership with the family. Parents will become more closer to you and they may even share some of the family traditions as to how they raise their children, what their goals are for their children and what they can and can't eat. All of these practices are very important. Fourth, I will make sure that there are classroom’s activities to meet the needs of all of my students. Some students may not be able to participate in certain activities because of their religious beliefs. I will make sure that I have other planned activities for these students so that they don't feel left out. The last way that I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive to my family is by taking the time out to communicate with the parents about what is appropriate and acceptable with regards to adult child interactions. In some countries children are not allowed to speak unless they are recognized first. These types of practices are also important.
I believe that these preparations will benefit me and the family that I have chosen. These preparations will definitely give the family a sense of belonging because they will know that you have gone out of your way to learn more about their traditions, and cultures. The students will feel more comfortable and accepted in the classroom because they will see pictures of different cultures posted in the classroom. Because of these preparations the family, the school, and the educator will benefit is ways that will make the families' transition to a new country much easier.
Sharon,
ReplyDeleteGreat way of partnering with your child's family, and learning their native culture, as well as languages.
This is very thoughtful. You mentioned so really good tings that you would do to prepare. Would you try to teach the other children in the classroom the Chinese culture? Would you introduce some of the "American" culture to the child? If the child is not used to our foods is there something else offered or can they bring their own food?
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, thank you for sharing how would prepare yourself and the program if a child from China was to join your environment. The way that you are going above and beyond to ensure that the family feels welcome will mean so much to this family. Many families who immigrate to another country are forced to simulate the dominant culture; however, your ideas will definitely not give them that impression. You and your team are trying to adapt to them as well so they feel welcome. It will be a nice feeling for them to know that the adaptations made are reciprocated. Taking the time to prepare yourself and the environment will send a message to the family that you care and that you only want the best for them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your ideas!
Take care,
Stephanie
Tymeshia,
ReplyDeleteI would only teach them Chinese culture if they were willing to learn it. I would teach the American culture because they are in America and if the want to learn it. Chinese foods are sold everyday in America, so it would be up to them if they want to try American foods.
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. Your ideas for preparing for the arrival of the family are great. I really liked your idea of preparing different activities for the children that can't participate in regular activities because of religious reasons. A lot of students experience not participating, but there is usually nothing planned for them, so they are just left sitting in the classroom watching the other children that are participating in the activities. When I was young, I remember all the students that did not participate in the Christmas party activities would be sent to one classroom and they would work on homework or work sheets. I believe that accommodations should be made for these children.
Hello Sharon,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I think one of the most important things to address is the differences in language. Communication between the child and staff members is critical in the child feeling like they belong and are welcomed. Good post