Since I was once a child sponsor for a child from Haiti, I decided to research that country since I know very little about it other than what little information I obtained as a sponsor. Through the website, http://facts.randomhistory.com/haiti-facts.html, I obtained interesting facts about children and families in Haiti.
With these given facts, I realize that if a child from Haiti were to move to the United States and be a part of my classroom, I need to understand the child may be malnourished and could have been an orphan. They may also have never been in a school before. Additionally, in Haiti voodoo is practiced alongside Christianity which is something I am unfamilar with. French is an official language and most Haitians speak Creole. While there are many others I could mention, these here from the website above will allow me to attempt to prepare for the arrival of my new student(s).
So I will make sure there are books in my classroom in Creole and/or French alongside the English materials. Additionally I need to make sure the pictures and posters in my classroom are culturally diverse. I would hope to make picture cards with a picture, English word, and Creole or French word for common objects to make connections for both the children in my room and myself. My classroom environment is one that I always strive to make warm and welcoming which I hope would help any child feel safe, loved, and secure while at school. Finally, finding someone to translate materials for me so parent information can be sent home in all languages.
While these changes may seem to be easy and not too 'in-depth' I have found that first and foremost a child needs to feel safe and comfortable in their environment. Once this is established the parents will feel comfortable in bringing their child to school and even if there is a language barrier, facial expressions and body language in a positive manner is encouraging. My goal in learning more about any country would be to learn more about the background of a student in my classroom to accomodate when and where needed for language, family culture, religious beleifs, and abilities. While this 'simulation' has been done based on the notion that a family with at least one child has moved to the area, these are the same elements I have placed in my classroom all the time.
I really enjoyed reading your post and getting ideas of ways to make a new child feel comfortable. I totally agree with you when it comes to the importance of understanding and learning some of the child’s language. Integrating the child’s culture is a must for every teacher.
ReplyDeleteGreat post thanks for sharing. I agree with you that children should feel safe, loved and secure while at school. I believe that if we incorporate all that we have learned in this class from our classmates, as well as the resources, we have all done a great job preparing our classroom for diversity.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I like how you you actually looked up on the web about your child culture. That was very informative and the fact that you will put books that reflect their culture and have their language posted through out the classroom is very nurturing and welcoming for new comers who speak a a foreign language and as form diverse cultures.
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