Meet the Dauk Familiy, they are from Russia.
Regardless where a child is from, it is vital to be culturally responsive and honor the beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes and behaviors of the families we serve.
We want the children to gain a sense of identity and we can do this by using the child's home language as much as possible. I make a huge effort of asking families for important words or phrases that would help relate to the child.Words such as bathroom, words to describe feelings (hungry, sad, happy, sleepy, etc.) and more. Sure the parents may get a laugh as a I try to pronounce some phrase, but at least the families fee respected and acknowledge as I try to relate to their them and their culture.Hanging up words, pictures and phrases is ideal for helping the child feel welcome in their environment.
Eating is another way in which i can prepare myself. There may be certain foods the child may not eat and we should respect that.
I would find out how daily routines are handled at home so the child can feel at home at school. There are reasons for children's actions. Understanding how the child is at home and why they do certain things will help you at school. Children may have different ways of handling emotions and we must understand their ways of expressing themselves.Does the child sleep on their own or do they need help (soft toy, pat on the back, etc). I would also find out about their interest, skills and talents to help the child learn and succeed.
Toilet training is another routine in which we should find out how the family handles. Ask parents how they are helping their child learn to use the potty at home.
Every holiday tradition deserves respect and we should find out if they celebrate them or not. If so, incorporate their traditions in a respectful manner.
Overall, we should reflect the child's family in the classroom by utilizing photos, activities, toys, foods, and songs that a children know from home.When we have a consistent approach it helps the child to develop a sense of continuity. They will learn to trust and feel safe and secure, which in turns allow them to develop and flourish developmentally overall.
Regardless where a child is from, it is vital to be culturally responsive and honor the beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes and behaviors of the families we serve.
We want the children to gain a sense of identity and we can do this by using the child's home language as much as possible. I make a huge effort of asking families for important words or phrases that would help relate to the child.Words such as bathroom, words to describe feelings (hungry, sad, happy, sleepy, etc.) and more. Sure the parents may get a laugh as a I try to pronounce some phrase, but at least the families fee respected and acknowledge as I try to relate to their them and their culture.Hanging up words, pictures and phrases is ideal for helping the child feel welcome in their environment.
Eating is another way in which i can prepare myself. There may be certain foods the child may not eat and we should respect that.
I would find out how daily routines are handled at home so the child can feel at home at school. There are reasons for children's actions. Understanding how the child is at home and why they do certain things will help you at school. Children may have different ways of handling emotions and we must understand their ways of expressing themselves.Does the child sleep on their own or do they need help (soft toy, pat on the back, etc). I would also find out about their interest, skills and talents to help the child learn and succeed.
Toilet training is another routine in which we should find out how the family handles. Ask parents how they are helping their child learn to use the potty at home.
Every holiday tradition deserves respect and we should find out if they celebrate them or not. If so, incorporate their traditions in a respectful manner.
Overall, we should reflect the child's family in the classroom by utilizing photos, activities, toys, foods, and songs that a children know from home.When we have a consistent approach it helps the child to develop a sense of continuity. They will learn to trust and feel safe and secure, which in turns allow them to develop and flourish developmentally overall.
Including families through pictures on the walls and discussions with the other children are huge for makign both children and families feel welcome. I like that you mentioned potty training because this is one that I forgot yet deal with on a daily basis. If there is not consistency between home and school with regards to potty training, it is almost impossible. I remember having a child come in rubber underwear over her regular underwear and everyday she would have an accident because she didn't feel like using the bathroom. I talked to her family about taking her out of the rubber pants because it was pretty much just like wearing a diaper, but they did not want to because they were busy on the weekends and this was more convienent for them. I backed off and one day, many months down the road, she came with no rubber pants on and had no more accidents!! It was frustrating that we had to wait so long, but until the family was on board with the plan, it wouldn't have worked out.
ReplyDelete