If I were advised to assist a family from a country I knew nothing about I would be nervous but would definitely try to prepare myself.
The country I chose was Brazil. The five ways I would assist this family in transitioning to the U.S. includes:
1. I would do research on the country and the school system in Brazil and what their curriculum and schedule consists of.
2. I would try to be sure to have questions prepared to ask them about their child. I would have the questions prepared in their language (majority speak Portuguese) with a translator with me for reference.
3. I would incorporate their culture into our curriculum – highlighting holidays their country celebrates, music they listen to and books that are favorites of preschool children in Brazil.
4. I would look for toys to purchase online that are similar to those that are played with in a preschool class in Brazil.
5. I would request that the family get involved by perhaps volunteering time to get to know the staff and myself more.
I would really want the family and child to feel comfortable with me. I can only imagine how hard it would be to come to a new country and leave your child with someone who isn’t from your country and you aren’t very familiar with. I think it would be beneficial to all the students in the class and myself to learn about another country. An opportunity like this is rare. I think these preparations would benefit all of us.
I love your idea of purchasing toys similiar to what the child is familar with. Thanks to modern technology, with some effort it will not be difficult to creat that safe environment for the child and family.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you want to take the time to make the family feel comfortable. I am sure it is hard for a family who is new to the neighborhood to make freinds and it is harder when they do not speak English. I like the idea of you buying books that the children in Brazil would read. Would you take a class in Portuguese to learn the basics?
ReplyDeleteIncorporating the toys is a great idea. We always foget that some toys are different in other parts of the world. Here in America we take it for granted that all children have the Toys R Us and forget that other countries the children don't have one and have other items of toy choice. Thanks for making me think about that.
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