Saturday, October 22, 2011

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Welcoming Families From Around the World

The name of the family’s country is Pakistan.

Pakistan shares influences that have shaped the cultures of South Asia. There are thus wider regional similarities extending beyond the national boundaries. On the other hand, the specific regional cultures of Pakistan  picture of rich diversity. Family organization is strongly patriarchal, as in most agrarian societies, and most people live in large extended families.
Ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family?
 I will prepare my current students in welcoming the new student and the family; having a virtual tour of the country; the flag, the map, and part of the country’s children’s lifestyles.
I will Post a ‘WELCOME FAMILIES” sign in the family‘s language in a visible position. (Urdu: Khosh amadid)
Read about acceptable practices in the family’s home that will tie in with school’s culture; traditions, language, culture and practices.
 I will find an interpreter or another family from Pakistan to help with translation and building good rapport with family. This will help develop trust, and to show the family that we care about their child's individual needs.
 Find on-line resources from the country that are applicable to the child and family's culture. For example, pictures of buildings, the way they dress, the food, the rivers, the mountains, and deserts.

A brief description in ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family
A lot of misconceptions exist about different cultures because people do not always take the time to get the whole picture. he more we learn and know about other cultures the less misconceptions and stereotypes there will be. Educating yourself about different cultures and the people will not only make you a more knowledgeable and tolerant person, but you will gain respect for cultures and the people who are part of them.Thus families would feel a sense of belonging and would then realize that there can be continuity in their cultural practices and traditions.

Resources



1 comment:

  1. Hello Theresa,

    Wow,I learned a lot of information about Pakistan that I did not know. You chose a lot of helpful ways to help the family become culturally responsive in the classroom. One idea that I did not think about would be displaying a "Welcome" sign in their native language. This is an excellent way to let the family know they are welcome and their children present is important in the classroom. Great job!

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