Welcoming Families From Around the World

            I am a preschool teacher who just learned a new girl will be attending my program.  Her and her family are family are from Armenia.  I will first prepare myself to be cultural responsive by researching Armenia, especially the specific region they are from in order to learn more specifics from that area.  We all know that areas and regions within countries can vary in different ways.  By learning more about the country and specific area, this could give me more of an idea of the family’s culture and way of life that they are accustomed to.  I could possibly find out some cultural behaviors such as do I address the husband or the wife, is eye contact acceptable, etc. 

            Another way in which I will prepare for the family and girl’s arrival is by learning important terms and phrases in the family’s home language such as hello, how are you, etc.  Through this, I can communicate with the girl and teach these phrases to the other children in the classroom so she feels welcomed.  I would also work on converting all written information into the family’s home language.  If possible, I would also look into finding a trustworthy translator to be accessible in case one is needed for easier communication. 

            I would display pictures in the room of Armenia.  As soon as I was able to get family photographs, I would display them.  Also, I would look for materials and books that would represent the family and their culture.  Music is also culturally important so I would incorporate it into my classroom’s musical collection. 

            It would also be important to learn what holidays and/or religion that the family practices.  This way I could incorporate them into my lesson plans and celebrations.  I would not want her to feel left out of celebrations because of her religion and/or culture so it would important to learn about them.  Last but not least I would want to learn more about the types of food the family is accustomed to eating so I could look into incorporating them into the menu. 

            I think these preparations will benefit both the family and me because the family will feel welcomed and accepted into my program.  It will show I am supporting the family and will be an ally if needed.  Through this support, I can start building a relationship and strong partnership with the family, which will help the little girl succeed.  These preparations will also prepare the rest of my students and families for their arrival.  In this way when the family arrives, the rest of the program is aware and can treat them appropriately as well.  It is not fun being the new person and everyone staring at you because they do not know anything about you.  My research and learning more about their culture will help prepare myself for any underlying prejudices and biases that may arise.  If I can focus and overcome them, I will be more respectful and accepting of the family.