In order to understand this family and welcome them in to my classroom there are several things that I must do before they start.
1.) Research-I would research the cultural of China. I would look for different things that they believe. I would also get to know more about the country it self and how they handle certain education topics.
2.)Teach-I would teach my current students about China. I would explain to them that everyone has a different way of doing things. I would ask them how they do certain things and then explained how this new child may do things. I would explain just because the child may do things different he still needs to be treated like a friend.
3.)Integrate-I would integrate some of China's cultural items in the classroom. I would add books, pictures and decorations to make the child feel more at home.
4.)Talk to family-I would talk to the family to see their cultural views on a variety of topics. Such as education and behavior management. I would talk to them to possible integrate things from home to the classroom for a smooth transition.
5.)Language- I would try to learn some of the common words in Chinese. Such as Hi, How are you, and bye. I feel this would help bring a stronger relationship to the family.
By following these step I hope to form a great relationship with the family. I hope that my other students would also learn about the culture.
Hi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I feel your steps are very beneficial for the family entering your program, as well as, the children, families, and early childhood educators within the program. It is an experience to learn something new that has multiple benefits for a program. It shows the family and child the time you took to prepare for the addition of a new student in your classroom and program. It shows the passion and devotion of other's needs, wants, and to offer the appropriate support the child and family could use to help them adjust to their new life in a new country. I find it important to speak with the family and child to gain knowledge about their culture and where they come from to get an understanding of who they are and how best to work with this family. It shows this family and child why early childhood programs for so important; the benefits the child, their families, and early childhood professionals can gain from working together.
Thank you for sharing Cheryl. I think that it is interesting that you chose China, I would like to know a bit more of what drove this choice and how your experiences shaped that. We all have in a sense said some of the same things with regards to research and language. I would like to know what you stand to learn from the family and what you will give them in return. I think that you will make an outstanding host.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI think the roles of teacher and learner is more fluent and efficient. When the teacher and the student sharing purposes, teachers are most productive when they see themselves as learners. We get to know our students, who they are, what they are interesting in, and what they know and can do. Teachers are first to recognize a child's moves, behaves, interacts, learn, or communicates differently from other children.
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteWhere you are currently teaching, do you have access to a translator? If not, how would you handle a language barrier if the family has little to no English?