The country of origin that my family will come from is Paraguay. Paraguay is a small country located in South America with a population of approximately 6.5 million. The language of this country is a mixture of Spanish and Guarani' which is recognized as the official language. Majority of its population is Roman Catholic followed by Protestant.
In the United States I have come to realize that we are a huge melting pot of different cultures, religions, values, and beliefs. As a professional I have to comfortable with families who may not speak the same language as I do or have the same belief system. I will become knowledgable about my new family by reading books, researching articles, as well as find resources within in my community in reference to the language. I will also do my best in finding ways for the child as well as the family being able to make a smooth transition into the American culture. I believe by becoming informed about my student's culture I can develop and positive bond with him/her and their family. Positive bonds can help break the stereotype barriers that can be hinder a child's success in education.
Reference
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pa.html
Hi Kami,
ReplyDeleteBecoming informed about our student's cultures' can be a challenge. I have found that it takes a strong and trusting relationship between families and staff before some families will share their culture's information. I was looking for more hands on approaches in our text book by Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) and they express the need to learn about holidays and then using that information in developmentally appropriate ways (pg. 136), Also how can we make it easy for families to get in touch with their culture and then be willing to share with their schools and childcare programs?
Happy Studies- Cassie
References
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Kami, Thank you for sharing! I find that the country of origin that you chose, everyone needs to know more abut. I am very unfamiliar with the country of Paraquay and their culture. I wonder the diversity that they face in their country? How is it different from the United States? How will you incorporate what you have learned into your setting? You are right! United States is a major melting pot. I can't believe the statistic they gave where United States has individuals of origin that come from different cultures. I like how you talked about positive bonds with the family. Staying positive through the experience will encourage the families and other children to be the same. Thanks again! - Brittany
ReplyDeleteHi Kami,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your good ideas. You have great intentions that will produce good outcomes when it comes to representing a diverse environment for children. It is great that you can see the importance of children and how it affects them when they are not comfortable or confident. I do not know much about Paraguay as well because unless it is on the news it hidden away. It is very unfortunate that we are not well educated about the children around the world. Everyone deserves to feel appreciated and valued. We as professionals need to present nurturing environments that supports all family cultures in a diverse and educational way.
Natasha
Hi Kami,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading most of my colleagues' blog, I became more knowledgeable about some new countries in the world. For sure, when I have extra time, I am going to do some research on each. However, Your last statement is a fact, and I like it: Positive bonds can help break the stereotype barriers that can hinder a child's success in education.
Joanne
Kami,
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned that you would research information about Paraguay and search out community resources to support you in building a partnership with the family. I feel that it is so important to go the extra mile to make sure we are prepared to serve each student as we strive to build equity in our educational systems. Thanks for the post!
Best,
Parker