My family Country of origin is Vietnam.
The ways that I would prepare myself to be culturally responsive are:
For the children
- The classroom would be labeled with English and Vietnamese translations with pictures.
- I would have children books that are written in Vietnamese.
- I would learn some Vietnamese words and phrases so that I can communicate.
- I would have music, costumes and other items that represent their culture.
- I would ask the parents and others Vietnamese persons to visit the classroom and share different aspects about their culture.
- I would learn about the different roles that children have in their culture.
For the parents:
- All flyers and other forms of communications would be done in dual languages.
- I would ask the family who they would like for me to communicate with. Also what are their religious beliefs and what holidays do they observe. If I am unfamiliar with the holiday I would learn more about it and respect that the children may not attend school around certain events.
- If the family does not speak English I would have an interpreter.
- I would read about their culture and ask someone who is Vietnamese prior to the parent’s visit, to give me information about their culture so that I would not be disrespectful.
- I would research what community activities and /or resources are available for the family.
- I would ask them what their expectations of their children are and what is expected of me.
I hope that all the preparations will enable the Vietnamese children and families to feel comfortable and confident that I will be doing my best to educate and incorporate their child within the classroom. In the process the children and I will be learning more about each other cultures and can celebrate the differences that we have.
Hello Tarshia,
ReplyDeleteI like that you are making emphasis in the language and communication. Families appreciate that you are making efforts to communicate with them. It is only through communication that we can create bonds with families and children.
Tarshia,
ReplyDeleteI liked how although I picked a different country, the elements of including both languages in the classroom and in communication with parents between our posts was similar. I love the idea of music and clothing pieces, I had not thought of that.
I thought you did a great job on accomodating the family as well as the children and making them feel comfortable. You had some really great ideas.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting how you have prepare this child to come into your class with the materials that would make her or him feel like being at their classroom in their town. It is always good to know what their background is all about so it would make the child and family feel comfortable in communicated and being in the classroom with other children from different culture.
ReplyDelete