The country I picked was Somalia, because a teacher at my school had a student in her class from there. We are becoming more and more diverse at my school and if I knew I was going to have a student in my classroom from a country that I knew nothing about, I would need ways to research it.
The first thing I would do is a lot of research on the internet. I know that will give me mostly surface culture information but it is a start. It will help me get the basics of where this student is coming from. The next thing I would do is to reach out another teacher from that country. Whether it is through a blog or via phone or through the NAEYCE website. This professional will be able to give me first hand information about what education is like in their country and how I might proceed to help this student. A third thing I would do would be to look up some vocabulary that I would be able to write on index cards to label things so that I can help build a connection in the classroom with words that he/she will recognize. A fourth thing I would do since I have warning that I am getting this student is to maybe set up an appointment with the student and his/her family. This way I can hopefully build a connection with the family and ask what they are wanting for their child in school. The final thing I would do is to visit with our school ELL teacher to help me get ready for our new arrival. Things like if we have a translator or something set up so that his/her transition into my classroom will be as smooth as possible.
When I get these things accomplished before my new students comes it will make the transition easier for both the child and his/her family. I will have trust and respect built up that will make them all feel comfortable coming into a new environment. I will be able to help this child to the best of my ability.
Rachel I think you have some really great ideas, and you are correct even thou the internet is surfaced information it is a start. Thanks for the ideas.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteThank you for yet another great posting! You had several great ideas that I had not previously considered. I especially liked the idea of contacting another educator from that country to learn more, an idea I had not thought of prior to reading your posting! Thanks for some new insight into this topic. :)
Ashley Richards
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI believe that contacting an expert in a great idea for becoming familiar with the culture of the family. I have never thought about doing this. Also, contacting your school's ELL teacher is a great way to get strategies and ideas about working with this particular child. Great post.
Hello Rachel
ReplyDeleteI loved the ideas and interest you will give to your student to make sure she have a smooth transition into your classroom. I think it is a great positive approach for everyone who is connected to the child and their family in order to build a trustful and respective relationship and partnership to accomplish success for the child to have a positive outcome within a classroom setting.
Thank you for sharing such excellent insights!