Welcoming Families From Around the World

 
I chose the country Egypt to be where the family came from. The five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards the family are as follows:            

1- Commit and dedicate myself to learn and find out as much information possible about this family, their culture, traditions, beliefs, etc. Plan a home visit to see the child’s living environment and family culture. 

2- Encourage meaningful family involvement in the school/classroom on continuous basis, which can help the family connect with the school and feel valued. Incorporate their culture throughout the classroom, add books in the library and items in dramatic play.

 3- Create and provide a classroom learning environment where the child from this family can bring in and share experiences/activities relevant to his/her life. Invite the family to teach the class some of their language. I would also learn some phrases as well, so I can communicate with the child.

4- Believe in the child’s potential to learn and grow by providing equal opportunities that promotes the healthy developmental all around. 

5- Do a self-reflection and examination to remove any bias or prejudice that I may have. Be aware of my social identities and biases, with the goal of providing a safe, honest, caring and nurturing environment where both family/child can learn and grow. 

Preparing myself and approaching the family in such professional and culturally sensitive manner, promotes and ensures parent’s connection to the school where their family culture, language, values and beliefs are respected and celebrated. This will build a great and trusting relationship between me and the family. The child and his or her family will benefit from my preparation because their culture will be recognized and that they will be encouraged to learn also about the other cultures. They will expand their cultural knowledge and being sensitive to the culture of others. We can also learn from this child and their family.