A new family is coming into my classroom and they are from India. There are some things that I will do in order to prepare for their arrival into the program.
1. I would read over the child's file in order to learn about allergies if any, if there was something that happened significantly at birth to the child or mother, and nutritional needs if any.
2. Upon the families entry into the classroom I will have the mother fill out and individual care plan for the child, which ask things about siblings, sleeping habits, eating habits, just anything about the child that was not mentioned in the file.
3. I would sit and have a conference with the parents to try and build a relationship with them, because this is new to them as it is for me.
4. I would invite the parents to come into the classroom to discuss any traditions or customs that they may want to share about India to the other children in the classroom.
5. Lastly before the child arrives I would educate the other child about India, things like the food, the way some may dress, the customs that they have, just anything that I could think of to prepare the other children.
Hopefully these preparation will help the family feel like they belong in the class just like the other children also in hopes that a positive relationship will be built between us and them . Also it will educate others in the classroom as well as myself about their home life before they came to this country also about the traditions and customs that they have.
LaRoyia I think you have done a fine job and all the things you stated are very good things to do in familiarizing yourself, the students, and family. I take it from your post that your child would be coming to a school environment. Great Job
ReplyDeleteLaRoyia,
ReplyDeleteI like how you stated that the experience is as new for the family as it is for you. To me, that is the biggest thing that we as educators need to keep in mind. We are accepting a new child into our program. They are making a drastic change in their life by traveling to a new country. They have to learn how to adapt to our culture while we generally learn to accommodate theirs. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Tiffany
LaRoyia,
DeleteThose are great ideas. Also making sure that the child is represented by India words such as in labeling items in the classroom as well as days of the week , colors and monthes of the year would be good. The parents volunteering and discussing their culture is a great thing for children to learn more about the child.
Hi LaRoyia,
ReplyDeleteI like how you described your idea to have the family come in and spend time in the child care setting. I think that would benefit both the children in care as well as the new family!
Lisa
LaRoyia,
ReplyDeleteI love how you would have the parents fill out their child eating habits, allergies, and information that could help you more with the child. I agree with you with reading information about India to inform your students in the classroom about their new friend who is from that country.