Welcoming Families From Around the World

      Welcome! Hi my name is Mrs. Honore’ and I am your teacher. I am so glad that you will be a part of our class. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will try to find the answer for you. This is Jamie; she will be your class buddy. She is five years old and knows a lot about our school and the other students.   I understand that you moved here from Nigeria because your father’s company transferred him to the U.S.A. Please feel free to tell us about Nigeria, your customs, religion, school, holidays or any other facts that will help us to get to know you.  As Derman-Sparks & Edwards asserted: "Teachers who create learning environments that incorporate and build upon children's home cultures promote healthy social, emotional, and cognitive development and academic achievement" (2010, p. 61).

     To ensure that I am culturally responsive to the new student I will:

·        Learn a few Nigerian words and phrases to greet the student.

·        Research cultural roles, hierarchy and  religious beliefs via the Internet, scholarly journals, and international professional contacts

·        Display familiar artifacts, flags, traditional food, clothing and pictures of Nigerian people throughout the classroom setting

·        Do a home visit to learn about the child and his role in the family and intimate facts about the child.

·        Encourage the family to visit the school, volunteer and become familiar with the educational system.

·        Invite the child to teach the class a native song, traditional nursery rhyme, or a hand game which is played in his native country.

I believe these simple preparations will help the child and his family will to feel more comfortable in this new environment and prepare the child to learn.  This warm welcome will assure  the family that the teacher cares for and will provide a safe academic and nurturing environment for the child.  What do you think?

References:

Derman-Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. (2010).  Anti-Bias for Young Children and Ourselves. National Association for the Education of Young Children: Washington, DC.