Welcoming Families Around the World
The name of the country Iknow nothing about - Belarus Five ways I can prepare to be culturally responsive to a family from Belarus 1. I can read about the country of Belarus from encyclopedias and the Internet. 2. I can find out what their language in Belarus is and perhaps learn a few words that I can use to welcome them. 3. If possible I will ask colleagues of mine from all my networks to find out if any of them have had or still have contact with an individual or family from Belarus. Then I can ask them for tips and if possible I hope to set a meeting or interview with the individual or family that they work/ed with. This individual or family will be the best way for me to learn about the intricacies of their culture. 4. If able, I can have my forms in school translated to the language used in Belarus just in case they are English language learners. 5. Maybe I can look for a restaurant or store that sells products/food from Belarus and serve it during our parent teacher conference or orientation. 6. I can also specifically search for the communication patterns, styles and dos and don'ts from the Internet. This will help me in communicating with them. 7. I can try to make my classroom as cool as possible since I have just learned that Belarus is very cold. The Philippine heat will surely make them uncomfortable. A statement describing how I think these preparations will benefit me and the family. These may be very small things that I can do but I think a family from a different country will appreciate it if they see that a teacher is trying to find out more about their culture and have prepared even in little ways for their arrival. Preparing before hand and trying to learn as much as I can about the country a family is from will not only help me to be more comfortable but will help me understand them more as well as prevent me from doing anything that may offend or oppress them.
posted by Elizabeth King Santos @ 5:46 AM
4 Comments:
These are some really great ideas! I did not think about getting the forms in my school translated. This could be so beneficial. As you said, these may be small things, but those small actions really do send the message that you are trying to learn about the family. It could really help in the transition for the child and family.
Dear Elizabeth,
After reading Nar and your blog post, I see that communication is the key to building a strong relationship with families. I also put communication as one of the ways to help me prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards my family. I just want them to feel comfortable and welcomed. Great Post!
This was a great post! I like the idea about serving a familiar food at your conference. The parents would probably feel so surprised that you made such an effort to make them comfrtable. I may try that myself!
Communication is the key to any relationship. Having materials translated into their native language is an awesome idea along with serving food from their native country! Great Post.
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