The child and his family that will join my class soon are emigrated from Thailand and here are some preparation before the child joins my class. 
  1. I need to make sure that I will give this family a great first impression from the first time they enter my classroom. A friendly greeting with smile is a must and I need to make sure to pronounce their names correctly because Thai names are not familiar with me and its hard to remember. Calling people with their correct pronouncing names is important because it bring closeness and its self identity and I need to make sure they feel comfortable and most important the child feels comfortable with me in my class.
  2. I need to do research and gather information about the child and the family. For example, how many children are in the family? Do they understand any English? Do they speak other languages? Do they have relatives here who speak English to help them with translation? How long have they been in the United States? Why did they come? How familiar are they with the U.S. school system? What is the child's prior educational experience?
  3. I may also want to learn some important communication words in Thai to help the child to not feel lost. Such as hungry, thirsty, and toilet. Using their phrases can mean a great deal to the student and family. Making the effort shows that you respect and value their language.
  4. Reading books and articles about their country, region and customs.
  5.   Informing the students in the class that a new student is coming and teaching the students about Thailand and familiarize them with the culture.                                                                         I hope this preparation will help me to better support students in the classroom and to receive more support from home. Creating cultural awareness is of the utmost importance in our increasingly diverse world. It’s important to teach our youth how to not only live in but also support a society that welcomes the rich knowledge and perspective that comes with learning about different cultures.

Comments

  1. ChristineOctober 21, 2018 at 7:52 AM

    Hi Naire

    Very good ideas! I never thought of learning how to enunciate their names properly! About a third of my children come from Asian countries and I couldn't even begin to tell you how to enunciate their parents names. They all have "American" names that they use, but it would still be nice to respect them and use their real names!

    Christine

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  2. UnknownOctober 21, 2018 at 2:08 PM

    Naire-

    You and I came up with similar ideas! Pronunciation of names is very important, it can feel as if you do not exist if an adult does not learn your name. I remember how I felt as a child when a teacher did not learn to say my name, I felt bad enough to remember it as an adult! Christine is correct, most will adopt "American" names, but last names can also be a challenge but fun to pronounce. I also like that you would research Thailand, learn some phrases, and incorporate the culture into the classroom through lesson plans. I am certain this family will feel welcome in your program.

    Bri Wolfe

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  3. ShakiraOctober 21, 2018 at 3:58 PM

    Hello Naire,

    Your ideas are similar to mine. I think it is essential and comforting you will try to learn the necessary words to help with the language barrier. Not only will you be making sure the child's basic needs are met but you will show the parents you are going the extra mile to help with their transition. It is important for the family to feel comfortable and for both parties to work together to help the child feel comfortable in order to succeed

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