Country of Origin
The name of
my family’s country of origin is Brazil. Brazil is a country located in South
America. I do not know much about Brazil. The setting will be an early
childcare center.
Five ways I will prepare myself to be
culturally responsive towards this family:
1. I will do a lot of research online and by going to the
library about Brazil. I will like to learn more about the daily life in Brazil.
2. I will also try to familiarize myself with the school
system in Brazil. I will find out how the early childcare system in Brazil is
run. I will do this so that the child and family will have a smooth and
comfortable transition.
3. I will also try to learn some of the basic greetings from
Brazil and buy a dictionary in case the family does not know English. The main
language spoken in Brazil is Portuguese so I will also ask my mother’s friend
who is Portuguese to teach me a few of the greetings.
4. I will also try to learn some songs from Brazil
especially children’s songs so that I can teach to the rest of the class.
5. Lastly, I will decorate the classroom with greetings and
pictures of Brazil to welcome the child and family to the center.
Brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations
will benefit both you and the family:
I hope that these preparations will
welcome the new family not only to the child development center but also to
America. I hope to learn much more about a country that I do not much about.
These preparations will also help the other children to learn about a new
culture; it will also prepare the children to not be biased or prejudiced
towards the new child. It will be a great learning experience for myself and
the other kids in the class.
Hello Dorcas,
ReplyDeleteInquiring about the early childcare system in Brazil appears a great idea because educators/you will be able to respond to parents' perplexity when dealing with new rules and education approach. I love that you rely on your own resources namely your mother's friend to learn some Portuguese, especially greetings which is so important in the initial contact. What a superb idea to learn children's songs from Brazil; this is a great way to welcome the child in their new environment and validate their culture. Thank you for sharing your ideas and your wonderful attitude towards life!
Enjoy reading your post Dorcas, I never though about learning children's song...great idea!
ReplyDeleteHopefully these points will help prepare the children in the classroom. I appreciate your points and the importance of being familiar with Brazil.
Janet
We as educators have to make sure we are welcoming all our families into our programs, but especially those from other countries. When families leave their native country and culture, they may feel overwhelmed in a new place. As educators it is up to us to help them feel less stressful.
ReplyDeleteHi Dorcas,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your 5 ideas to prepare for a child from another country. Checking out the childcare system in Brazil was a great thought. Learning key phrases in their language, songs, and using decor would be welcoming and encourage the other children to become familiar with a new culture. Children love these new experiences. Thanks for sharing! Cindy Rube
I have never thought of finding out about the school system. Your ideas are great. We have to just foster a relationship with the family. This is important since the information that we gathered before, may not reflect the unique culture of the family,the culture beneath the culture.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post...the school system suggestion was great! It would help to adapt your classroom.
ReplyDelete