Welcoming Families from Around the World - week 7

 

Welcoming Families from Around the World

 

There are many countries in Africa that I have never heard of or know how to pronounce. If I was working at a childcare center and a new family emigrated from Gabon. I would not know anything about their culture or way of life. However, there are many ways that I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family.



 First, I would identify what is the language of Gabon. One of the primary languages used in Gabon is French. Therefore, to be welcoming to the family I would learn and teach my co-workers a few common words in French. Some common words we could learn before they arrive are hello, goodbye, please and thank you. Second, I would prepare myself to be opened minded to any cultural differences that may arise. Third, I would attempt to contact the family to see if there is anything I can do support them in having an inclusive experience within the facility. I would attempt to find out if there is anything I can do to help them be engaged within the facility. Fourth, I would express an interest in their country and their culture prior to them arriving and once they have arrived. I would ask them if there were anything I can do to help them feel welcomed. I would encourage the child’s teacher to place pictures of Gabon within the classroom. Finally, I would determine what materials could be added to the classroom to reflect the Gabon culture. I could purchase Gabon art that would be familiar to the family. In addition, I would research some of the traditional food in Gabon. I would then add the foods to the meal schedule for the child. American food is often challenging for emigrates to digest upon arriving. Having food that is familiar to the child will provide them with comfort and less stomach issues.



By making all of these preparations for the child and family I hope that they would find comfort and acceptance within the childcare facility. If the child and family find comfort and acceptance for the program a better bond can be established. My ultimate goal from the preparations is for the family to want to continue to come to the childcare facility, to feel respected and appreciated. I would do all of the above and provide them with resources within the community to help with their transition from Gabon.

Comments

  1. D.MarksOctober 24, 2021 at 9:07 AM

    I think it's definitely of the utmost importance to help a child and their family find comfort and acceptance in your classroom. Honestly, it's the only thing that really matters at the end of the day. If a child or a family isn't comfortable, then we should be trying to figure out why. I like that you're goal is for families to feel respected and appreciated because that's so important.

    I loved reading your post it was wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Myrna ShakirOctober 24, 2021 at 10:02 AM

    I love that demonstrated how you would provide inclusion for the child and the family. I remember from another course it discussed the importance of incorporating the different cultures of their students in the classroom and curriculum so they could feel comfortable. I'm sure that the family will appreciate your efforts as well. Learning phrases in French will show the family your willingness what to learn about their family's culture.

    ReplyDelete
  3. BriannaOctober 24, 2021 at 12:43 PM

    I think your accommodations for this family is amazing. Your attention to anticipating their needs shows how dedicated you are to making them feel welcomed and supported. I especially love that you plan to incorporate foods from their country. There's nothing better than familiar foods when you're away from home!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Teach the ChildrenOctober 24, 2021 at 6:18 PM

    Being openminded to different cultures is a great way. It expresses the tolerance of the person for different approaches and sensitiveness.

    ReplyDelete

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