Earlier this week I
learned that I would be receiving a student and her family from Holland and I
would like to learn as much as I can about their culture and make the
transition to the United States a good one. For the transition I have decided
to do the following for new family:
1. Research
helpful information on the country of Holland and various customs
2. Learn
basic sayings in the Dutch language which could help in communicating with the
child and family.
3. Present
information to the other students and staff about the family’s country origin
to help in transitioning
4. Plan
a small but big welcome ceremony for family
5. Make
the classroom more inclusive to the child and family 
I hope after preparing
for the family in the following ways that I am able to lay a strong foundation
for a healthy relationship between not only the child and also the family. I
hope through preparing I am able to learn more about a country I knew little or
nothing about. I hope the preparation can serve as a learning tool for also the
current students and see the importance in accepting all diversities and make
new friends. It is my hope that family see how far much we care I care as the
teacher but also the other students and staff, care about the positive
transition for the child and also for them.
Here are some links containing information about the
country of Holland:
I am going to check the sites you posted, I did some research on the country I chose (Romania) just because I wanted know a little about it. I enjoy learning about different cultures so this was an added bonus. Thanks for the extra information and I enjoyed reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteGreat to have your course work coincide with your professional life so closely. I had a family from Holland in my program, after a little while I learned that lunch is not a big important meal, the mom of the child was accustom of sending a Neutella (sp) sandwich but our program is nut free. She would send a cliff bar, a yogurt and maybe fruit. They took their time and had a large breakfast all together which is unlike the norm for this area of rushing out the door with a beagle in hand. It was also wonderful to have her come to the classroom and read a story, hearing the language was wonderful and the kids picked up on the story through the pictures. Enjoy your family and learning along with the children.
ReplyDeleteWow, what timing! It should be a very interesting experience for both you and your new family. It worked well for you to have this happen just as we were discussing it (talk about life imitating art!)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new family and all that you both have to offer one another. Good Luck!
Thanks for sharing the websites.
Sha'Keema,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the suggestions that you had for becoming culturally responsive, especially learning a bit of Dutch. Any time that we are able to bridge the communication gap is an opportunity for us to be more welcoming educators.
I enjoyed reading your posting these are good suggestions that I will be keeping in mind when I do have a new student arrive in my class.
ReplyDelete