My family's country is: Haiti
Five ways I would prepare myself for the family's arrival:
-The first thing I would do is to do a little research on the country the family is coming from. This would give me an insight on how their environment and community looks. I would also find out what language is commonly spoken and find out of the family uses it or not. If they did, I would begin learning some of the basic language enough to communicate greetings, needs, and wants.
-The second thing I would do is gather informational documents and pamphlets on resources around the local community if help was needed. It would provide shelters, welfare, how to get assistance for having a baby (WIC), clothing and or food pantries etc.
-The next preparation I would take is to briefly train my teachers in the class he/she would be entering. I would give them the basic language, some common beliefs that is known to be followed in Haiti with a "just in case" they do follow these certain beliefs. I would also learn about the foods that Haitian people eat, and see if I can get at least one of the meals added to the school lunch menu each month.
-Another preparation I would make is to ask the parents to write down a short survey about the child. Likes/dislikes, habits, eating habits, rituals, beliefs, what makes the child happy/sad or scared.
-Lastly, I would schedule a special meeting with the parents and child and an interpreter(if needed), to go over the school's handbook, policy, and paperwork. I would also allow the parents and child to meet with the teacher to discuss any necessary information that each other both would like to share. This would also be an great opportunity for the child to meet the teacher. I would request that the parents stay a few hours at drop off the first day just to make him/her feel comfortable, and to see how the child interacts with the other children. I would end by telling the family that the doors are always open, and that they may come in or call to check on how the child is doing.
A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family:
- I hope that by taking these preparations, I would getting a better understanding of the family and they would for me as well. I understand it can be difficult entering into a new environment; but more so, into a new country where everything around is foreign. As long as communication is open between the parents and myself/teachers I think that the family will have a wonderful stay while their child is attending the program.
Hi Sherrell,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your preparation for the family coming in from Haiti. The main thing in getting to no other families is to respect the values and beliefs they are custom to and to meet their basic needs. Great Job!!
Ida
Sherrell,
ReplyDeleteFrom your post, it sounds as though you have a very good grasp on how to make a child from another country feel respected and accepted. When I typed up my blog, I too talked about using a survey in order to find out information about the child. This made me realize how important this is for all children in our classrooms not just those from another culture. As we have learned in this class, diversity is not just on the surface. Every family has a different culture. When we assume that all American children are the same, we are doing an injustice to their needs. You have a good grasp on how to deal with this issue.
Thanks
Mary Jo
Hi Sherrell,
ReplyDeleteYour educational plan for the children and parents are a great way to help them feel comfortable. When a parent can be at ease with watching his/her child interacts with the teachers and their peers, this will also help the child in the classroom by knowing a parent is watching. Knowing that they can stop by anytime will create a positive relationship for families and teachers. That was also a smart Idea to incorporate an interpreter if one was needed. Keep up the good work.
Kathleen
Hi Sherrell,
ReplyDeleteI think that you have some good ideas for preparing for your family. It is important for management and other staff members to be aware of the family’s entry into the school and to be prepared for working with the family as well. Having open communication is key to building successful relationships. I also like the idea of letting the family meet with the teacher prior to starting school. I think that this helps with making the family more comfortable with their new surroundings.