I will have a new child in the program from India
Preparation:
1-Make contact with the family – When a child enters a program at the early childhood center where I work, the question, “What is the best way to contact your family?” is always asked. This is how we learn which forms of contact are comfortable, accessible and acceptable to the family.
2-Ask questions-What language is spoken in the home? What is the composition of the family within the household? Who makes the decision in the house? What is the family’s religious affiliation? Are there any dietary or limitations or restrictions? What are the family’s expectations regarding the child’s education? What is the level of involvement that the family would like to have in their child’s education?
3- Research further based upon the information provided by the family- How is respect conveyed between teachers and children in their culture? What rituals can be worked into the day to help the child feel more comfortable? What are the rituals surrounding mealtimes, rest time?
4-Provide information to the rest of the staff at the center-Before a new child arrives at the center, an email is sent to all staff that delineates all of the information that the staff needs to know about the child and family. If necessary, conduct an in-service in order to educate the staff about the particulars of the family’s culture.
5- Include artifacts, literature, props and materials in the classroom that relate to the child’s culture- Based upon the information derived from the research and the conversations with the family, search for and include items in each of the classroom centers that will be familiar to the child and items that will also reflect the child’s culture.
6-Speak with the students about the new child and provide any information that will help the children to make friends and relate to the child- It is important to include the children in the classroom in the arrival of the new child. Preparing them for the child’s arrival will ease tensions on the first day and give the children information that will allow them start a conversation with the new child.
I think that these preparations will benefit the staff in that we will know what to expect from the family and child on that important first day. Also, it will allow us to serve the family in whatever way they need us. Preparation will help the child in that, hopefully, he will feel more comfortable in his new environment. The children in his class will be more likely to approach and befriend him if they are included in the preparation and have information about the new student. The preparation will help the family in that they will feel valued, empowered and respected by the staff because time has been taken to learn about them and accommodate them.
I loved that you asked what language is spoken in the home because we often can forget that there are other languages than our own. I also really enjoyed your statement about including all of the other children in the classroom to the new child's culture. It reminds me of a classroom I sat in on that had one girl from Turkey. The teacher told me that she hadn't thought of asking the girl's mother to prepare food or bring in photos so the other children could partake in the culture. Yet she did note that the girl never wanted to speak in her native tongue or talk about where she was from. I believe it was due to not feeling her culture and whereabouts were welcomed to know.
ReplyDeleteTina
Hi Careyann, You would be very lucky to have a family from India. The ones I have met have to be the most gracious and lovely and hospitable people in the world. I am interested in how you ask what the best form of communication is? We need a phone number that can be reached immediately, but sometimes are emails go unnoticed and the parents are surprised at the changes that were enclosed. Perhaps a different format would be better. I am thinking that just talking about it would alert them to the fact that even though their child is only in Kindergarten there are important things that need to be conveyed. I like the idea of emailing all the staff about the new child. A few years ago we had a little boy who wore the turban and the long hair of the Sikh religion. It did not help that he is absolutely gorgeous. It would have been an easier transition perhaps if all the staff had been prepared and cautioned about outbursts. Thank you for your post.
ReplyDeleteHi Careyann,
ReplyDeleteYour prepatory activities seem very reasonable and would provide common courtesies to the family. I especially liked your idea about open communication amongst the staff. I think it would be in not only the child/family's best interest if all staff took on the responsibility of being culturally responsive, but also the need to communicate amongst each other professionally is significant. The children we serve will observe this and yes, I agree may be more accepting, curious, and supportive of their new peer because of this.
Hi Careyann,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder to include the other children in the classroom during the transition of a new student from another country. The is so important so all children will feel comfortable welcoming and getting to know the new student.
You have identified great action steps to support the entire family as they learn a new culture and new language.