Saturday, December 13, 2014

Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) Welcoming Families From Around the World


            The challenge this week is to pretend to work in a social service agency with a child that originates from a different country.  I am suppose to list at least five different ways that I can prepare for this new child.  Also, I am asked to list the benefits for the child as well as myself.  So, let's get started...

            The child's name is going to be Maria and she comes to us from Spain.  To prepare for this child entering the program, as her case worker I will find all of the available resources that will offer assistance in any way with classroom curriculum and other skills.  I plan to brush up on the basic level of Spanish.  I need to know the basic colors, the calendar numbers, the greetings and departure phrases, and maybe a few other things.  I want to know enough that the other children can learn the basics in the classroom.  Also, I will ask the teacher to allow me to look over the lesson plan.  I want to ensure that the curriculum will include not only that child's culture but the cultures of all of the children within the classroom.  I plan to meet the parents before the child enters the program to be able to learn more about their family culture and see how the child interacts with her family.  It is important to know if the child is entering the program with a certain level of manners and respect or will they need to be taught more structure.  Finally, upon entering the classroom on the first day, I will be there.  I want to overview the classroom, but I also want the child to see at least one familiar face upon entering the classroom.

            Being adequately prepared for this child will benefit me in so many ways.  I will become knowledgeable of her family culture through simply talking with her parents.  I am therefore able to incorporate the basics into the classroom and the lesson plan.  I am able to ensure that from my standpoint that the transition for the child is as soon as possible into the program.  The children are able to benefit because they can obtain the highest level of knowledge available to ensure they receive their highest level of potential.

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