Blog: Welcoming Families From Around the World
I am working at Little Leaders Child Development
Center. The staff is welcoming a 5 year old girl named Phongpip from Thailand. This is the first family that
I’ve met emigrating from Thailand. There are several ways that I can be
culturally responsive to this family!
1. I’ve
learned that this family speaks the primary language of Thai. As an early
childhood professional, it is essential that I support the family’s native
language. I will have lots of fun learning basic Thai greetings such as
Hello/Good Morning:
sawasdee krup(male) Kaa(female)
Goodbye: la gon
Thank You: Kop Koon
(krup/kaa).
2. I’ve
learned that the family loves serving spicy food to their children and we will
be providing meals such as rice and stews called curries.
3. I
was informed that the family likes playing a popular sport called Takrow. The
early childhood professionals will introduce this sport to all of the students.
This is how we will play: the players will try to keep a ball made of ratton
(woven palm stems) in the air by using their heads, legs, and feet.
4. Phongpip’s
parents wanted everyone in the child development center to know that her
favorite song is the Bollywood Dance. We will celebrate Thailand’s culture by
playing this song once each week.
5. As
an early childhood professional, I will allow Phongpip’s parents and family to
do additional projects sharing their
family history, culture and values with others.
These preparations will help build
strong teacher-parent partnerships and will allow the early childhood
professional to learn more about the family’s deep culture. It is essential for
me to support this family and other diverse families so that I can enrich the
quality of education for all!
You have some really good ideas on ways to integrate your student's culture into your classroom. I especially like the idea of having her family come in and share their history and culture! This will also help the family to feel accepted and part of the educational process. Good job!
ReplyDeleteTiffiney,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about the special things you will be doing to welcome Phongpip into your classroom. I think incorporating the food and game will really help her feel at home. I was not familiar with the customs you shared. You have expanded my knowledge about Thailand.
Thank you.
Judi
Tiffiney,
ReplyDeleteI like the ways in which you and your early childhood center is welcoming Phongpip, her family and her culture in your program. All of your examples sound fun and help embrace Phongpip's family and culture, especially by incorporating some personal things that she enjoys.
I hope you all enjoy!