Welcoming Families From Around the World

          The family I will have to prepare for in my class is from Dominica, not the Dominican Republic. “Dominica can often be confused with the Dominican Republic. However, Dominica is a sovereign island which is located southeast of Guadeloupe and northwest of Martinique. Its small area makes Dominica among the less recognized countries in the world” (Gilbert, 2017).       

           "English is the official language of Dominica, but periods of French rule left their mark on family and place names, such as the capital Roseau. However, today Standard French understood by no more than 10% of the population, and only about 10,000 people in Dominica speak English, while the majority — some 43,000 people — speak Dominican Creole French, or Kwèyòl. There is also a small minority — about 200 people — who speak Kokoy Creole English, related to Antigua and Barbuda Creole English" (https://www.languagesoftheworld.info/geolinguistics/the-language-of-dominica.html). I am fluent in French and know a little Creole so before the child comes to class, I will give the parents a call to set up a meeting. I will do this to confirm what is their 1st language, what goals are they expecting to achieve with their child this academic school year, and invite them to come to class during international day to discuss their country, foods, holidays, religion, etc.  

            The five ways to prepare myself to be culturally responsive are:

1. “Assess your own behavior” (teachaway.com). This applies in many different ways. Remove all personal preconceived notions of others. Express empathy to those who are wronged or shown negative attitudes and behaviors because they are different. Encourage the class too, “be sensitive to the differences in attitudes that may arise in the classroom. Being sensitive to how certain cultures may stress different ways of learning is a key first step towards building a positive, respectful relationship with families from diverse cultural backgrounds” (teachaway.com).
2. “Get to know your students. Be proactive when it comes to learning about the different cultural backgrounds of the students in your classroom” (teachaway.com). In the article, Intergenerational relationships at the center gives excellent examples such as, “breaking down stereotypes by educating the two age groups about each other. Another common approach is to place one group in a caregiving role in which they assist the other group with tasks and pay individualized attention to their needs. A third plan is to unite the different age groups through working together toward a common goal, like planting a community garden or painting a mural” (Larkin, Kaplan, 2010).
3. “Make your classroom a judgment-free zone” (teachaway.com). Be open to any uncomfortable stereotypes or situations that may arise to help children with positive resolve. It’s always easy to resolve situations with what you are familiar with. To be openminded by using other cultural alternatives for resolve is progress.
4. “Adapt your teaching” (teachaway.com). It’s time to be welcoming to other cultural tools and techniques aside from your own. Ensure all materials and lesson plans are culturally diverse by having literature, instruments, and toys representing Dominica and others.
5. “Include all cultures in your teaching. Lessons should incorporate multicultural information and approaches whenever possible” (teachaway.com).

            The implementation of these techniques will allow all teachers, students, and the family I serve from the Dominica to become familiar with each other’s culture. Educating all on a global level is broadening horizons worldwide. “Noticing differences and similarities in the world is important for children. It’s how they learn. Children are remarkably good at observing differences in the world. Talking about them is an effective way to decrease biases and racism” (ELKC, 2019).

            ECE’s are responsible for teaching diversity and make it a pleasant experience being it's their first encounter. These experiences will carry on with them for a lifetime.

References

Gilbert, Kimutai. “10 Countries You've Maybe Never Heard Of.” WorldAtlas, WorldAtlas, 2017, www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-countries-you-ve-probably-never-heard-of.html.

Larkin, Kaplan, (2010). Intergenerational relationships at the center. YC: Young Children, 65(3), 88-94.

“Talking to Children About Differences and Similarities.” ECLKC, 2019,

https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/talking-children-about-differences-similarities?fbclid=IwAR2U5c8qEU7UzmylWGn4ijYqgzEjcWmYOB4Ud-OZscQ6xGJH-qAtU46Eoa0

https://www.languagesoftheworld.info/geolinguistics/the-language-of-dominica.html

https://www.teachaway.com/blog/5-steps-becoming-culturally-responsive-teacher