Welcoming Families from Around the World

 

                In order to welcome a new family from a foreign culture many steps and preparations must be taken into consideration.  I am a teacher at a childcare center and I am getting ready to welcome a family from Venezuela.  I have never traveled to Venezuela nor do I know anything about the culture or history of Venezuela.  In order to welcome the child and the family I will begin by learning something about the surface culture because although surface culture because although surface culture is not critically important it may give us some common ground in the beginning while we build relationships.  I will also research the language so that I can translate classroom orientation packets into the family’s home language.  I will also need to label some classroom materials in the child’s language as well so that she can continue to learn her language as well as English.  In order to begin to build a relationship with the family I will hold a meeting so that I can go over classroom expectations and allow the parents to express their expectations for their child’s learning.  At this meeting, I realize it may be necessary to hire a translator, because I do not speak Spanish.  If the family feels comfortable enough I will ask them some questions about their culture and their expectations and ensure them that I am here to teach their child as well as aide them.  I will also ensure that the child sees herself and her family reflected in classroom materials and books.  By taking these steps, I hope that they will allow the family and me to begin to build a relationship and partner together to ensure the best possible experience for their child.  For the parents I hope this allows them to see me as someone they can trust and cares about them and their child.  For the child, I hope that she will believe that she has a teacher who not only respects her but her family as well.  As the teacher, I believe these steps and the ones to follow will allow me to be the best teacher possible for not only this particular child but others as well.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

Bias, prejudice, and oppression are unfortunately a part of our lives.  It takes place in nearly everything we do in some form or another.  The only experience, in which I could say that I have been a victim of prejudice or bias, is when a family member at the center I used to work at would not allow her child to be in my classroom because I am a man.  At first, it was a little hurtful but I did not think much about it tossing it up to a parent’s choice in whom educates her child.  However, after studying topics in our course I realize that it was bias and prejudice because that mother had a particular notion of what a teacher of young children should be and I did not fit that description.  I think this particular episode diminished equity because it made the case that males were not as capable of caring for and teaching young children as females.  I believe it also diminished equity because I believe this particular mother was afraid of what I, as a man, might do to her child, which is very hurtful.  If this parent had been paying attention to news reports lately, she will realize that females are just as capable of hurtful behavior as males.  I realize that for me this brought up feelings of anger and hurt because I was made to feel inadequate and not capable much less being good enough for her child’s teacher.  In this case, I think that our program could have changed where the parent would not have been giving a choice.  However, I believe that is the particular parent that needs to change because it was her bias that caused the situation. However, after being at my former program for five years I think that I have proven that men can be effective, caring teachers for our youngest children.   As a special note, I want to say that all parents have the right to make educational decisions about their child.

Microaggressions - My Experience

 

                Throughout the week, I have been taking note of microaggressions in my observations and interactions with others, hoping I would not witness any.  Unfortunately, one occurred in my work environment when a coworker told a child “you know, you really do think very well and act nicely.”  At first glance, this appears to be a compliment however; the child my coworker was talking to has operational defiance disorder so behavior is a challenge.  The statement also implied the person’s shock that the child behaved so well unlike others with his condition. I think that the child experienced mixed emotions when he heard this statement because he is young and may have taken it as praise; however, I believe that he also felt hurt because his teacher felt this way about him.  I would have been hurt myself because I would have felt judged.  I also overheard several stereotypical statements and have even caught myself thinking some as well. Although, I was disappointed myself I believe that the first step in preventing microaggressions and stereotypes is to realize when you are thinking them, reflect on, and redirect your thoughts.  Discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes are harmful not only to the victims but to the perpetrators.  Over time, victims are likely made to feel “less than” what they are and that they should live up these stereotypes.  Stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination also affect the perpetrators because it dehumanizes us.  I, also, believe that to some extent or another everyone has stereotypes and bias, which is why it is important to learn to recognize them so that we will not act on them.