If I worked in a childcare center and was told that I would be getting a new student from Japan that could not speak English, there are certain steps that I would take in order to prepare the student and family for their arrival.
I will first prepare by doing research on the family culture. Next I will conduct a family home visit to begin building a relationship with the child and family. During the visit, I will ask specific important questions about the child. I will then prepare the classroom environment by putting up pictures and anything else that will make the new student feel comfortable. I will also ask the parents to help teach me key words in their native language that will help me throughout the day.
I believe that these preparations will benefit not only the child and family, but the entire class. I believe that doing my research will help me to understand and not stereotype. I can ask the parent(s) to share culture experiences with the class, such as holidays. In making my preparations it will be important to make a consistent schedule. Keeping a consistent schedule will help the child to learn what to expect each day. and doing things repetitively will help him/her learn to feel comfortable information on how to manage around the classroom. I believe that doing things repetitively will make the day to day experience a lot easier on the student as well as the teacher.
I have always wanted to speech a second language and not only speech but write it. If I had the opportunity I think Japan would be good. Research and background information will give you and ideal of the family region. If you have as knowledge of the family background is will also help with to understand how the family come to this country as well. This will give you some information on the class social culture and economic as well. I have many families from japan in our areas because of the auto plant that is opening. This is also working class family that will be working at the plant will help to know what kind of support you can get for the family and the community. thank you Kathfsmith
ReplyDeleteHello Martha,
ReplyDeleteI like the way you welcome the new student whose language is different from the class dominant Language. It is important to help the new student feel confortable and getting used to teacher and classroom schedule as well as play with peers. Displaying Welcome the new family note on the door will make new family feel warm welcomed and be recognized by other families in the classroom. Labeling classroom item with the language of the new family will help the new student feel the classroom her/his home. Other students will learn the diversity of language.
Home visits are so important but honestly I have not conquered my fear of them. I love the steps you would take to welcome that child into your classroom, especially learning key phrases. I made that mistake my 2nd year of teaching, I did not know key phrases and the child cried every day for weeks. I wonder what other modifications you would need in terms of communicating with the family? I like Sara's ideas of labeling and welcome note. I think your ideas would surely make for an easier transition into your classroom.
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