Mexico
The origin
of the family I choose is from Mexico. The five ways that I will prepare myself
to be culturally responsive towards them is keep open communication with the family,
support family native language, be aware of family culture and beliefs, provide
resources to help family meet their goals, and involve them in make decisions
about their child’s education.
I will ensure that the family and child will be able
to communicate with someone in the class from their native language. It is
important to help the family and child to be able to continue to use their home
language while they learn English in their effort to become dual-learners. I
will learn how to greet them in their language to show that communicating with
them in vital to providing the child with the best education they can receive.
I will schedule home visits and parent conferences to ensure that they are able
to share information or concerns with me in a private and nurturing environment.
I will ask the family about their beliefs and culture.
I will learn as much possible to ensure that I am respectful of their beliefs
and culture. I will hang pictures of diversity that reflect the people and
places from their previous country. I will be aware of any food restrictions or
allergic reaction that the child has. I will ask for their advice on how I can implement
what is important to the family into the classroom. I will put familiar objects
in the class so that it will feel comfortable and I will encourage the child
and family to share customs during show and tell.
I will support family by providing contacts with
resources within their community that can meet personal needs. There are some
many resources that can aid the family in adjusting to the changes that they
have endured in the new country. I will build a solid partnership with the
family that will encourage them to be active and involve in the direction of their
child’s education. I will be inviting and approachable to guarantee that the
family, regardless of the type of family it is, will be at ease discussing concerns
or make suggestion.
Katrice,
ReplyDeleteYou definitely have a handle on the important aspects of making a child and their family feel welcome. Finding resources that the family might need will go a long way in building the trust and respect of the family so that you can work as a team for the child's education! We use peer partners in our Head Start classrooms whenever possible. Sometimes, however, there are not any students who speak the same language as the child coming into the program. Including parents in the decision making process will also empower the parents.
Thank you for sharing the great suggestions!