We will have a new family joining our program soon. The family is leaving Ethiopia migrating here
to the U.S. There are some things we
will need to do to help them feel comfortable:
1.
Since English is the second-most spoken language
in Ethiopia, they will most likely understand if not speak it. However, we want to learn some words to make
communication easier between us. We will
most likely have a translator from the University here on the family’s first
day to help with policies and procedures so there will be no misinformation or
miscommunication.
2.
We will learn what part of Ethiopia they are
from. Amharic, the most widely used
native language, is spoken in the regions of the north-west and central parts
of Ethiopia. In other regions, are 11
other languages spoken.
3.
We will need to find pictures of Ethiopia – its
people, food, buildings, homes, flag, etc.
These need to be incorporated onto our walls and books so the child will
be able to identify common markers from his country. We should ask the family if there is anything
that will be recognizable for the child that we could have we he returns to
school.
4.
We will need to have some music and musical
instruments that the child may recognize from his former country – a krar is a
type of lyre. We will also have to
incorporate Ethiopia into our learning centers and curriculum so our new family
will know they are important and they matter to us.
5.
We definitely will have to be aware that in
Ethiopia they use their hands to eat instead of utensils. They use unleavened bread with each meal to
pick up the chunks of prepared food.
6.
Most
importantly, we need to try to communicate with these parents and children so
they will be comfortable. They have left
or lost everything and have come to a completely different way of life. If they need some direction on finding places
or things they may need, we will be that source of help to them.
7.
We will put out a note to our other
families. Some might like to get to know
them, show them around, and/or be a resource for them.
Above all else, we have to respect all of
our families. We have to go out of our
way to see they feel safe within our program and in their new lives. As culturally responsible early childhood
providers, we are the next step and possibly the best step to see how they
should be treated. We need to make a
positive connection with them to show support, kindness, respect, and to help
them feel comfortable.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI also thought about changing my classrooms environment and incorporating the child’s culture into the environment. One of the reasons I thought about this is because in my personal classroom the children love to see pictures, books, food ect. that reminds them of home or an experience that they have shared with someone they love.
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ReplyDeleteKimberly,
ReplyDeleteYou made a great point about the musical instruments. I did not even think that in some countries music could be an important part of the culture. The eating style is another good thing to consider because that is going to be a major adjustment for the child. That is really interesting that there are that many different languages spoken. That is good information to have ahead of time.
Jennie
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful planning! I also love the music idea; it is perhaps the most easily accessible and readily acceptable form of connection. My local library has CD's from every part of the world you could imagine, so I'm sure there would be something to use, and children love music no matter what it sounds like :). Dancing would be a great ice breaker!
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI think you were very thorough with your preparation. I also liked that you mentioned the music and musical instrument, but most importantly is that the Ethiopians use their hands to eat.
I also liked the note to other parents, to show them around.
Pictures on the walls works fabulously for young children, and more so for their parents.
Zeina
Hello Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. I believe language expression is valuable for teacher-family relationships. The dynamics of speaking in home languages enables a family to learn how a learning facility is operated and to know latest topics/trends in education. The exposure of pictures, music, food and other sources allows an Ethiopian family to know how their culture and identity are valued in a American school.
Tanya Terrell
Hi Kimberly- I like your idea about letting other families know about the new family that is starting. They may have some insight about the region and culture they are coming from. Everyone can work together to make the family feel comfortable and welcome.
ReplyDelete