Welcoming Families From Around the World
The
name of “your” family’s country of origin
Nigeria
Nigeria is located in West
Africa. Its coast in the south lies on
the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
At
least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive
towards this family
(1)
I will research the country in order to learn
about their culture, beliefs,
customs and traditions. This will include learning many of their
mannerisms
terms, and boundaries in order not to violate their
culture.
(2)
I will do all that I can do to make the family
feel welcomed and comfortable.
(3)
I will be careful in my selection of what and
how I ask questions related to
their culture as well as their country.
(4)
I would look within myself in order to
reevaluate any prejudices or biases that
I may possess towards the characteristics they
possess.
(5)
I would find resources related to the Nigerian
culture so that I may be in a
better position to help them in areas where they may need
assistance and my
resources are not useful in helping them.
A brief statement describing in what ways you
hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family.
I
hope that these preparations will allow me to overcome any biases or prejudices
that I may or may not possess. I hope
that I will be able to make this family feel welcomed and decrease any barriers
they have by relocating to another country.
I hope these preparations will allow us to learn from one another while
at the same time getting to know each other and communicating in ways that will
be beneficial to all parties involved.
Kesha,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post and addressed many of the same ways to support cultural responsiveness. However, I neglected to address bias or prejudice that I may have that would interfere with the relationship that I would hope to build with the child and their family. I do believe that this is a very important part of being cultural responsive not only to emigrant families, but families with different ethnic backgrounds or religious beliefs. It is always important to reflect on the ways that we view others and how they might in turn view the same situations. Thank you for adding this to your entry and reminding me of the importance of reflection.
Thanks again,
Amanda
Hi Kesha,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post, I particular like that you will take the time to look within yourself. That is one thing I have been doing a lot thanks to this class, and I think it is important factor. I have learned a lot about myself and have taken the steps to improve myself, which I know will benefit those who come into my classroom. What would you do if you had no time to prepare?
Crystal
Kesha,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you addressed personal bias. Far too often teachers impose their personal biases on their children and their families in the early learning classroom, assuming that they automatically should comprehend the American way. So many educators fail to take the initiative to learn about the significant characteristics and attributes that contribute to the identities of their students because it is easier for them. The reality of teaching is to be able to move beyond our comfort zone and stretch ourselves and our students to a new level of learning and understanding. Comprehending the cultural characteristics of others increases our ability to form positive relationships. Subsequently, it contributes positively to the diverse nature of our world.
Great post!