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.
