Our scenario
this week is to choose a country that we know little to nothing about and come
up with a plan on how to make a child (and the family) coming from that country
feel welcomed into my agency. I have chosen Sweden as the country that my new family
hails from.
- The first thing that I would do is make certain that I have as much information as possible about the family: names, parents, where their from specifically, etcetera.
- Next I would look up Sweden on line a find their township specifically if I had it. I will want to know things like health care, popular music bands, how their schools are structured etcetera.
- If we have a photo of the child I would post it in the classroom with welcome in both English and Swedish written on it.
- I would find how to spell and pronounce some key words and phrases in Swedish. I would add the Swedish word to everything that was already labeled for a print rich room.
- Hopefully the family would have left e-mail. That would give the opportunity to make contact ahead of time and try to find some information out about the child, such as favorite color, food, and also any fears that we would need to know about.
My intention of course would be to
try and make sure that the child and family felt welcome and that our classroom
would be comfortable and inviting. If the family spoke no English at all I
would see that could be done about having an interpreter. Caution would have to
be taken to not use stereotypical foods, toys, and etcetera but to be sure that
anything set up to welcome the child was specific to him or her and their
family. I would do my best to have at least a few words learned in the child’s
native language and make certain that when the family arrives that I make
certain that I pronouncing their names correctly. I also think it would be fun
to involve the whole class by teaching the children words like: hello, welcome,
bathroom, eat, happy and sad.
Jenn Pore`
What a great start!!!! I believe that as you begin incorporating these new elements and seeking guidance and assistance from others, the doors to a wealth of valuable resources will also begin to open up. I simply love your whole classroom approach of involving the children in expressing welcome to the new family (inclusive of their peer). It's a win-win for everyone:)
ReplyDeleteJenn,
ReplyDeleteHave you ever thought that what would happen if the family doesn't want to share with you about their culture. What would you do? To be honest I would be offended, I would have to really accept that its ok. What do you think? What would you do?
Within early Childhood, I believe it is important to have some phrases learned in the child's native tongue if English is a second language.
Some Phrases I would think are neccessary are:
I have to go potty.
Water
hungry
I don't feel good.
I need help.
Can you think of any others?
I keep forgetting to tell you, I love your quote on your page. It is so cute and true. (The one about the 2 year old.)
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI like the way you detailed the elements of what you would be looking for. I pulled something different from my assignment, It has been great watching your post. Looks like you are doing well continuing on with your professional goal. I never thought of looking up how to pronounce some of the language, excellent idea.