The name of my family’s country of origin is France. I never visit France, but I am planning to visit next summer. The native language of the children and families from France is French. The dominant religion among families in France is Roman Catholic. My best friend is an elementary teacher and she recently got a child who is from Spain. Whenever we converse she is complaining how difficult it is to make the child fit it with the other children within her classroom community. As early childhood professionals we must make each child feel welcomed, safe, and secure despite of their family’s origin or ethnicity so it is important that we take the steps needed to provide quality learning experiences.
At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family
1. I would first research France’s History so I can familiarize myself with some of their cultural values, customs, and traditions.
2. I would provide a classroom environment that represents all cultures so that each child feel welcomed while in the classroom.
3. I would have each child fill out an “About Me” profile so that I can learn things about them and their family.
4. I would have conferences with the parents so that I can learn more about their family’ s structure and beliefs so that I can incorporate some of their ideas in the classroom so that the child do not feel isolated from the rest of the classroom community.
5. I know that there will be language barriers so I would learn some of the basic words in French and ask for assistance from my colleagues and friends who may know French in order to communicate effectively with children and their families.
A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family
It is my desire as an educator to provide an environment that is safe, supports risk taking, and invites sharing of ideas so that each child feel welcomed within my classroom. Equipping myself with knowledge and utilizing resources to help me learn about one’s origin allows me to understand students and their families. I will be able to provide them with the skills they need for success. The environment that a child is in can impact their health and well being. The ultimate goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for children and their families. Providing a child with a safe environment will allow each child to blossom and grow.
Nequiatuia,
ReplyDeleteYou provided some great strategies to prepare for a new student from a different country. Preparing by obtaining as much knowledge and information about the child and their family is so helpful in planning a safe and healthy environment for young children. And healthy is more than the physical environment itself, it is the emotional health, too.
Nequiatuia, I enjoyed reading your post. It gave me insights to add to my classroom to welcome in new students. I do believe that it is very important for us as educators to learn basic forms of languages to use with children that enter our rooms as dual language learners. Gwen
ReplyDeleteI explored my country in very much the same fashion. What would be an alternative strategy if the parents or the child could not communicate to fill out the "About Me" portfolio. However it is a great idea!
ReplyDelete