The assignment for our blog this week asks me to think
about ways that I would welcome a family from a country that I know nothing
about into my child care program. The family that is coming into my program is
from Swaziland, a small country in southern Africa. There are five things that
I will do to help prepare myself to be culturally responsive to this family.
·
First, I will learn what I can about the
country. This is not so that I can make assumptions or generalizations about
this family, but to educate myself on a place that I know nothing about. This
will include talking to someone who is familiar with the Swazi language and
customs so I am respectful of boundaries and beliefs and do not do anything to
offend the family when they come to meet me.
·
Second, I will find out if the family speaks
English and if not I will invite an interpreter to the orientation. There are
several dialects spoken in Swaziland so I will make sure to have someone who
speaks the family’s language. Once they have started, I will ask the family
give me a few key phrases and words in that language so the teachers can label
things in their classroom and be able to speak to children in their native
language during critical times (i.e.: when they are upset). I will invite the
family to contact the interpreter as needed if they have issues to discuss, and
I will schedule the interpreter to return when it is time for Parent/Teacher
Conferences.
·
Third, I will find out what kind of food the
family eats so that we can make sure and include food items on our meal and
snack menu that the children are familiar with.
·
Fourth, I will make sure that there are
photos, pictures, books, and materials in the center that represent this child
and his family on their first day in the program, so they see themselves
represented and valued in our space. Once they have started, I will invite the
family to share music, stories, and other things from their culture in the
classroom. I will incorporate items that are familiar to the child into the
curriculum so all of the children have a chance to interact with them.
·
Fifth, I will set aside time in my schedule
to get to know the family well and create a relationship with them. I will find
out what is important to them, and what they want for their child. I will listen
to their ideas and feelings, and partner with them to make sure that my program
is a safe, nurturing place for their child and them. I will ask them to share
their culture with our program, and assure that the information that they share
with me is evident in our program.
These preparations will help the family and child feel
welcome by letting them know that who they are as people, and their culture, is
valuable to our child care community. It will give them the message that we want
to honor who they are and where they have come from and not just expect that
they will conform to the program as it was before they arrived. The child will
recognize that he and his culture are important. It will benefit me by broadening my horizons and my
anti-bias skills, and it will allow me to become a partner with a family whose
culture is different than mine.
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI chose a family from South Africa as well. I want to learn more about this region. To do so, I agree it is necessary to evaluate the family's culture and beliefs. It is also important to establish communication with the family to ensure that you can establish a relationship with the child and the family. This will help to provide a more inclusive learning environment.
I like your idea of posting photos. I didn't think of that and it's a great idea. I chose Ethiopia myself because I know nothing about the country really. It would be very interesting for me and such a learning experience if something like this would happen, I always have the same countries represented in my classroom year after year. Prodominantly South American which I have become very familiar with. This would definitely be a challenge now that I've come to really think about it. Great idea again with the photos! Love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I think that it is very important to do your own research about a certain country/culture. You will learn so much information that you did not know before. I also think it is important that you communicate with the families.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, You shared lots of really good ideas. I think it is very important to not expect them to just conform to the program. Often that is the case. This would be a great opportunity to learn as you stated also and I think the family would greatly appreciate that this is new for you as well and that you both (you and the family) can be experiencing many of the same feelings and concerns. But I am sure that with time each will adjust and settle in. All of the suggestions you have made will ease the transition for child and family. Once again I enjoyed reading your post. Cindy Ferguson
ReplyDelete