Turkey
My director has just informed me that I will be having a new family coming from Turkey! This is so exciting! I better get ready!
To prepare for myself and my students for our new family's arrival these are the five things I would like to do:
1. I would have the students learn to say hello is turkish which is "Merhaba"
2. I would learn about the culture, traditions and holidays.
3. I would make a cubby tag that represents her country. (Maybe the flag because I think it is pretty cool.)
4. I would have a brand new newsletter ready for them that will
contain almost all the information needed along with an
excited welcome note.
5. Find out what games the children play in Turkey and re-create it.
contain almost all the information needed along with an
excited welcome note.
5. Find out what games the children play in Turkey and re-create it.
My hope in these preparations are to make sure that the child is comfortable and welcomed. I want the family to know that we are not here to change who he/she is or have him/her forget their where they came from. We would like to provide continuity and learn from them to see how we can incorporate things from their country into the classroom setting.
The right thing to do is welcome new people into our community. I get so offended when I hear someone say "I wish they would go back where they came from" This world is big enough for everyone. Great post Quintina!
ReplyDeleteHi Quintina,
ReplyDeleteI like the way you will greet the child and family in their home language. This will truly make them feel welcome. I will use this tip in my classroom. We have a lot of families of diversity. I make sure I have books, toys, posters, and music available in their culture. I want to see the smiles on their faces. Great post!
Hi Quintina,
ReplyDeleteI respectfully I agree with you having familiar items posted, making others in the group aware of the new child's cultural differences and accepting their difference is important. Sometime we get so caught up of making one comfortable we forget the importance o addressing all the children when someone is different from them.