As an early childhood professional it is important that you learn not
only about your students but your student's families. For this exercise I
chose to learn more about Burma.
Ways I would prepare myself to be more culturally responsive:
1. Research the country and its customs. Check out sources online or at the local library
2.
Meet with the family and ask about their goals for their child and
learn more about their family culture and how that may impact their
child's adjustment to school.
3. Find others in the community from
the same background and ask them for more information that could be
helpful when working with the family. Put the family in touch with
others in the community if they would like so that they may have more
support.
4. Share the information I have learned about the country and family with others at my childcare agency.
5.
Use the information I have learned to make the child feel more
comfortable at school, provide culturally responsive toys/dolls and if
possible incorporate some of the child's natural language into the
classroom day.
6. Teach the other children in the class how to say hello in the child's native language to make the child feel more welcome.
7. All communications with the family would be in the family's preferred language and if needed an interpreter would be used.
By
learning more about the child, family and their culture and country of
origin I would hope that it would allow me to be more culturally
responsive and allow for the start of a positive relationship with the
family. I would also hope that it would allow the child to feel
comfortable in this new environment. By knowing about the child and
family's culture I would hope that I would respect their wishes and
values and show them that I care about what is important to them and
their child.
Candice,
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing up sharing with other staff members. I did not mention that in my post but it so important that everyone in the center is informed and equipped to welcome families.
Candice,
ReplyDeleteCertainly knowing the goals and expectations each family has for their children is fundamental in the early childhood field. This way our practices in the classroom can be aligned with the family expectations and the child’s healthy development would be more easily attained.
Thanks for sharing Candice!
Candice,
ReplyDeleteI liked your idea about reaching out to people in the community with the same background as the child. This was an idea that had not occurred to me.
You have a lot of great ideas. I really like the idea of including the community. I also like the idea of teaching the other children how to say hello and other simple phrases in their language. That is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete