Country: Finland
Scenario: I am working in a child care center and receive
word that the child of a family who has recently emigrated from Finland will be
joining my class. I have no prior knowledge about Finland but want to prepare
myself to welcome the child and her family. The five ways in which I would prepare myself
to be culturally responsive towards this family are:
1 1.. Know the
primary language of Finland. I would try to learn a few basic phrases or words
in Finnish.
2. Finland’s ideas about education
3. The role of children in Finland
4. Gender Roles in Finland – how men and women are seen or valued
5. Primary religious beliefs of the people of Finland.
2. Finland’s ideas about education
3. The role of children in Finland
4. Gender Roles in Finland – how men and women are seen or valued
5. Primary religious beliefs of the people of Finland.
I believe that taking these preparations will allow me to be
prepared to welcome the child into the classroom. It would help to ease any
uncertainty or apprehension that I may have about adding a new child to the
learning environment and will also equip me with the tools I need to help make their
transition smooth. Knowing beforehand how
the child’s previous county viewed education, the roles of children and gender
roles will help me to know how to approach certain conversations or topics with
the family as I work with them. I do not
want to offend them or make them feel as if they are not welcomed or
understood.
I think it would be great to learn a few words in the native language. This will surprise the child and make him feel more accepted in the class. I also think that learning gender roles is important especially when communicating with the parents. The things that you learn about the child and their native land can be used as a culture lesson in your class!
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