Welcoming Families From Around the World

 

In preparation for the arrival of a family that has emigrated from China, I must first gather information on their country. As a Teacher at a Head Start Program, this will be a totally new experience to me. I am fortunate to be enrolled in a diversity course, that will expand my knowledge on how to prepare a culturally responsive class environment.

 The first method I would implement to help transfer the environment would be to research the origin of the families hometown. In doing so will allow me to gain historic information of the countries culture, language, and education. The second method I would implement is to have all the forms translated into the families language to assist in conducting the required home visits and parent-teacher conferences. If this is not available then the program will provide a translator during these conferences.The third method would be to provide materials that are related to the families culture. These materials would be pictures and or artifacts, clothing, toys and label everything in the classroom in their native language. The fourth method would be to research the preschools in heir country to learn more about the teaching strategies that they implement. The fifth method would be to allow all the families to make a poster board with family photos and information related to their culture to allow everyone to learn about one another. 

In my efforts to make this family feel inclusive into a brand new environment, my hopes are not to make the family feel singled out from everyone else. As we have learned in viewing the video on "Microaggression", we can intend no harm to someone who is of different origin or culture but in one form or another cause harm. Presenting an environment that showcases the appreciation for diversity will allow the family to open up to moving into a strange land. Showing that your program has the materials and equipment to provide a service for the family shows that the program provides a high-quality service and appreciation for all the families in their program.