- The name of “your” family’s country of origin
China
I mainly chose China because I have a big bias towards Chinese people.
- At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family
1. I would read about the Chinese culture. More specifically cultural dos and don'ts.
2. I would make sure to write to the family and ask get to know questions
3. I would meet with the parents and the child to get to know them better, learn about their expectations and history.
4. I would add Chinese items in the classroom. Add books that feature Chinese folk stories. Ask parents to send items of significance to them and their culture. Have some materials labelled in Mandarin if necessary.zzz
5. Invite parents for a Cultural Studies day, where they get to share and celebrate their culture.
(Visiting the families home is probably a good idea, but it is not part of my culture and I would feel very uncomfortable and out of place. I am the worst at small talk and would gladly avoid the awkwardness)
- A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family
These preparations would help the family feel validated and welcomed. It would educate me to better ways of interacting, communicating and celebrating a different culture. It would inform my practice and how to cater for that child and the family, making sure that the child can thrive and reach his/her full potential.
Renata,
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions! I think meeting with the family and asking "getting to know you" questions is a wonderful idea. I mentioned something similar. I feel as though the best way to get to know someone is to ask! I also like your suggestion of adding Chinese items to the classroom. You could add pictures, books, and clothing to your dramatic play area. I think the family would appreciate the gesture and would feel welcomed and included in your classroom. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer
Great suggestions, Renata! I love that you family is from an Asian country with lost of cultural norms that are different from ours so it requires cultural understanding and humbling on our ends. I enjoy how you have a component with camilies having tome to culturally exchange and begin a dialouge with one another. This will bridge gaps of cultural ignorance and create understanding
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I love that you are choosing a country that you have a big biased of it shows that you are willing to open you mindset and learn something different to lessen the likely hood of the biases. I think you ideas to try and get to know of their culture are very open-minded, I know you said a home visit would help and if ever you do have to do that you could write down open ended questions to ask before going so it won't seem as awkward. Great post!
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