I just recently received a child whose family originates from Russia. The child knows little to no English, and Russian is their first language. I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family by having a translator with me in case the family and I have trouble communicating. I will also take the time to learn what part of Russia they are from, and ask them to give me some information on their family in relation to favorite foods and activities. I will also take the time to label my classroom in both Russian and English, to help the child transition better. I hope that by being prepared it will help me form a bond with the child and the parents. I think the most important thing is having a good bond with the family and let them know that you are truly interested in their culture. I hope that by asking about their favorite foods, and activities that it will help lighten up the atmosphere and create some common interests to discuss.
Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each. -- Plato
Sunday, October 23, 2011
I just recently received a child whose family originates from Russia. The child knows little to no English, and Russian is their first language. I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family by having a translator with me in case the family and I have trouble communicating. I will also take the time to learn what part of Russia they are from, and ask them to give me some information on their family in relation to favorite foods and activities. I will also take the time to label my classroom in both Russian and English, to help the child transition better. I hope that by being prepared it will help me form a bond with the child and the parents. I think the most important thing is having a good bond with the family and let them know that you are truly interested in their culture. I hope that by asking about their favorite foods, and activities that it will help lighten up the atmosphere and create some common interests to discuss.
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Anna,
ReplyDeleteThese are great examples of ways to welcome a family from another country. I believe that these efforts will create trust and lead to a partnership between yourself and the parents of the child. Also the child will feel included in the classroom. Having children from diverse backgrounds creates opportunity to open children’s minds to other lifestyles, beliefs, and customs.