Welcoming Families From Around the World

The country in which the new family would be from is Iceland.  I do not know anything about this country other than as a child I was told that Iceland and Greenland are actually the opposite of what their names say.  I always thought that was interesting but never did any research on it. 


The five things I would do to prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family are:

1. I would research the country of Iceland.  Looking to identify significant aspects of the culture and the language spoken.   I would educate myself on religion, traditions, major historical events that have taken place.  I would familiarize myself with various aspects of the culture such as family roles, the educational system, socioeconomic structure, and what people tend to do for a living.
2. I would learn some key phrases of the language.  As I would be able to greet the family in their language and make them feel welcome. I would also be able to engage the child as well.
3. I would make sure the facility and the classroom are welcoming in regards to be representative of Iceland with photos, books, and other toys.
4. I would have the classroom staff in which the child would be assigned also research the country as well as learn some key phrases in which the staff could interact with the child and family in their language. 
5. When meeting with the family I would ask them if they were comfortable in sharing information about their culture and their own family culture.  I would also engage in conversation and share my understanding of their country from my research and gain their perspective on such.  I would  encourage them to stay true to their culture and the importance of such.  I would definitely ask about what the education system is like and what they can expect here.  I would acknowledge any concerns they may have and reassure them that we will work together in supporting their child during this transition as well as the entire time they are with the program.   I would offer  much support and let them know they are welcome anytime to visit, share about their culture, and express any concerns. 

 

I believe these preparations would benefit both me and the family as it will allow for a trusting relationship to form.  These preparations demonstrate  the desire to engage the family in a manner in which they feel welcome by learning about their country, culture, and language and actually responding to them with what they are familiar and comfortable with. By modeling my openness and responsiveness to the family I think it will allow them to be responsive to me.  By allowing them to share what is meaningful to them will assist with them learning what is meaningful here.   As this is a partnership between the family and me.