Welcoming Families From Around the World

This week I was presented with the scenario of receiving an emigrating family from a foreign country as I worked in my setting of choice.  I was asked how I will prepare myself for their warm welcome and easy transition.  I have chosen to act as the director of intake for a local private elementary school.  The family I will be receiving will be from Japan.  This country, honestly, was chosen by my children and if I am to be honest, all I really know about Japan is related to sushi, earthquakes, wars, and animation.  I know very little about the “real” Japan.

Their will be many things that will need to be done in order to make this family feel welcome, comfortable, accepted, and then integrated into our current American culture.  The first step I would take would be to familiarize myself with as much of the Japanese language as I could along with asking around to determine whether or not anyone else in my professional circle had any experience with the language.  If I had no direct contact with a person familiar with the family’s particular dialect of Japanese I would arrange for a translator. 

I would then familiarize myself with the education system in Japan.  I would find as many similarities as I could and then determine how we can work through the elements that were distinctly different.  These factors could range from the position of the teacher versus the children, classroom structure and size, language and respect, and length and breadth of expected study.

Next, I would learn as much about the family’s attitudes toward education and our culture.  I would ask them directly (or through translation) about their hopes, fears, goals, and assumptions.  I would then ask them to describe their child/children and their opinions of the future they foresee. 

My fourth action would be to learn about the family’s culture.  I would like to learn about their past, present, and their anticipations for the future.  I would wish to learn about what they value, embrace, and would like to preserve.  I would also like to know if there were any cultural elements or American stereotypes that trouble them.  I would like to study their mannerisms, emotional reactions, and body language.  These factors will help me to understand the entire family better as we continue to bridge gaps and progress.

Finally, I would like to set up, by mutual agreement, an honest system by which we can communicate effectively.  I would like them to know that they can come to me with any issue and that I am willing to work with them regarding anything.  My heartfelt intention would be for their family to feel respected, welcomed, and appreciated into our academic environment.

I know that if I were put in the position of emigrating to another country and was faced with enrolling my children in a local school I would be incredibly apprehensive.  I know that I would question which parts of our culture would be understood and how my children would feel entering a world where they had to rely on the grace of others for true inclusion.  It would be my hope that my initial preparations, and those that would follow, would allow for the family to let their guard down enough to trust that I recognize their struggle and that my goal is for their success in our nation.  I would like them to know that we will have to work as a team, and that no matter how much I “study”, I will never understand fully without their input.  I hope that my excitement, and acceptance of the challenge will not intimidate or belittle them in any way and that their inclusion to our environment will be one to more effectively diversify our world.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I suppose that I am one of the lucky ones.  I have not been the target of much bias, prejudice, or oppression.  I have experienced my share of sexism, accompanied by some ageism, but most of the bias, prejudice, and oppression I have witnessed has been in regards to others. 

Due to its recent occurrence, I would like to share a situation of bias and oppression that is fresh in my mind.  I was volunteering at my daughter’s school on Friday for a fundraising run/walk event.  The children were asked to run or walk around the school grounds for one hour.  My daughter began the event with two of her good friends and I had the pleasure of accompanying them. When she caught up to one of her friends from the alternative learning classroom she asked her to join the group.  Her two other friends offered up some questionable glances.  My daughter saw the glances, grabbed the hand of her friend and they took off running.  One of the first friends asked me, “Where does H think she’s going?”  I simply stated, “It looks like she and E felt like running.”  The girl stated, “That’s weird.  E is so creepy.”   I was completely caught off guard by this comment, but  reinforced that there was nothing “creepy” about E, she just learns differently, and it looked to me that they were having a great time.  The two girls just shrugged their shoulders, but had nothing more to add. 

I was so proud of my daughter in that moment.  It was as if she was protecting her friend from a potentially uncomfortable situation.  For the remainder of the walk each twosome kept to themselves, yet one was undoubtedly happier than the other.  I am hoping that when the time is right my daughter will be able to vocally address the complicated feelings between them all, but until that time her actions will continue to speak louder than her words. 

I have witnessed numerous situations of bias, prejudice, and oppression throughout the years, but have been much more acutely aware of the presence over the last several weeks. I have been affected personally by negativity based upon race, religion, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability.  While every scenario is different, and I have acted differently each time, they have all left a lasting impression.  As the weeks continue and I am asked to analyze these issues, each one takes me to a place in my mind where I can make mental adjustments and alter my persona to be a better advocate for those who may need my intervention.  

Microaggression

Before this week, I had never heard of the term microaggression.  What I have learned is that, unfortunately, in our current society slights and missteps are made numerous times each day, usually by even the most well-intentioned people.  While I try my best to always take others feelings into consideration, I know that there are times that my subconscious kicks in and I might say something that causes another to feel shamed or invalidated to some degree.  

Just this week, I saw a man switch lines at the grocery store after noticing who was in front of him in line after making a judgment based on the woman's appearance.  I, myself, felt disappointed and lost confidence when I was referred to as a "babysitter" a few days ago.  Additionally, I know that my daughter questioned her personal and family culture after her friend asked her what she does on Sundays if she doesn't go to church.  

I know that the work I do is valuable and that I plan to excel in my career in Early Childhood education.  I also know that while I own and operate a family child care home, to some I am still just a babysitter.  They will never know what I have sacrificed and still do sacrifice so that I can do the work that I do and strive to make myself available to my children while they are still young.  This does not mean that I am unaffected by the words that I hear, and although I usually attempt to use them as motivation and drive I certainly do not forget them.  

I don't know that i will ever know what it feels like to have some make a snap judgment about me based on my looks, as I closely resemble most members of American dominant society.  What I do know is that I truly felt for the woman who was being avoided based on presumptions made about her race, religion, and culture.  On one level  I was glad that my children did not witness this occurrence, but alternately, had they noticed, I would have found this a great opportunity to talk with my children about diversity, respect, and acceptance.

Finally, I know that as my children get older they will have to find greater levels of confidence so that they may handle cultural situations as they arise.  What I fear is the times that they will feel negatively about who they are based on another person's opinions or behaviors. It is my intention to provide them with a strong moral compass and the ability to trust in themselves and act in a manner they can feel proud of.

Perspectives on Culture and Diversity

This week, to coincide with my in-depth study of culture and diversity for my class, I chose to ask a few other people I know what they consider culture and diversity to be.  A basic surface description of the three people I chose to interview would be:

(1)  a male, mid-thirties, blue-collar, suburban, husband, father

(2)  a female, teenage, middle-class, suburban,  only child, divorced parents

(3)  a female, mid-thirties, upper class, major city metropolitan, mother, wife

These three people are similar in many ways in their own historical cultures, but have lived their lives in ways that exhibit many subtle differences when knowing them on a personal level, and are of course subject to the influences of their deep cultures.

Within all three responses was evidence that culture was something that meant something to them, yet was difficult to explain.    It was explained as a family history, the thing you grew up with and the incorporation of past and present.  Regarding diversity, my three interviewees recognized that it was an incorporation of different cultures, different ideas, and different opinions.  My older two participants also suggested that when recognizing diversity, adaptations and accommodations may need to be made to make everyone feel respected. 

What no one mentioned was that both of these concepts are those which are subject to change and always evolving.  As society changes, and our immediate environments change, so do our reactions and interpretations.  This allows for both immediate and long term changes to take place.  Additionally, many people struggle with adhering to the boundaries of several cultures all at once, and must make choices as to which one serves them best at any given moment.  This internal conflict can cause great stress for those whose multiple identities differ considerably. 

What my discussions have revealed is that definitions of the words “culture” and “diversity” are quick to roll off the tongue as if one is taking a test at school; however their meanings are complicated to define.  I think that these topics need to be discussed more openly and as a people we need to be less afraid and more willing to open our doors to understanding.  As I watched a man, just yesterday, switch check-out lines specifically due to who was standing in front of him, I felt sad.  Not only for the woman he blatantly offended, but also for the man who made a snap judgment about another human being he had never met. I began to wonder how many of these instances happen in a typical day that I never notice.  How many of them happen to me?  How many could I have made a difference in?  How many have I unintentionally participated in?  The last few weeks of intense scrutiny of culture and diversity have opened my eyes and made me realize that as I walk through my own maze of life, I need to be more aware and more active in making a positive difference so that I can be a better role model for others.  

My Family Culture

This week I was presented with the following scenario:

A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you.

I was then asked to describe which items I would choose to take and how I could/would explain their meaning.  After arriving in the new country, I would then be told that I could only keep one of the three chosen items. 

I have thought about situations like this many times, especially in regards to war and disastrous conditions around the world, when teaching about fire safety and when severe weather comes to call in my region, as we can often be subject to tornadoes, damaging storms in all seasons, and flooding.  What I have come to discover is that the harder I think, the less I need materially.  I would be incredibly thankful to be able to have my immediate family with me; however, I would miss the remainder of my family the most.  Most of my valuable items live in my mind and in my heart, so my three items would be reflections of that.

The first thing that I would take would be a photograph of my mother.  She is an integral component to my family, and a major influence in most of what we do.  She would, without a doubt, be the most missed item in our new world.  I would likely then defer my other two choices to my children, allowing them to each choose something that means the most to them. 

My decision reflects perfectly how I view my family culture.  We place great merit in our close family and value each other above all else.  Our children come first and foremost.  My husband, as a father and a husband, would be content in knowing that his three ladies would get to choose.  My role, as a wife and mother, is to respect my husband’s wishes and put others’ needs before my own. 

If I was then told to only bring one item, there would be no question that the picture would remain.  My children would understand that being able to consult with their grandmother, even if only through a picture, would carry much more weight than the tangible items they had chosen.  I am proud of the fact that know deep down in my heart that the most important things in my life can always be with me as they live within me.

When I Think of Research

…I think of progress.  I think of a promising future for all of humanity.  I think of acceptance.  I think of reason.  I think of life.

While I have experienced scientifically based research in a scientifically based forum, I have never experienced research that I have held such high stakes in.  I have not previously researched humanity.  The last eight weeks have exposed me to challenges and obstacles that I was previously unfamiliar with.  I have been forced to refine my skills to a degree that I never knew was possible, but for what better reason than for our future. 

I am now aware of methodology which not only respects research dynamics, but also those of human beings and their individuality.  I have been put in a position to consider aspects of humanity, research methodology, and early childhood practicality in ways that blend them all into one topic of focus which intends to bring about positive change.

I have learned that true research must include elements of quantitative and qualitative design while remaining relevant and valid.  This is a difficult task when considering that there are so many factors that may influence the accuracy of data collection; such as, homogeneity, power struggles, deficit models, and personal bias and background (MacNaughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).  It is our duty as early childhood professionals to ensure that the well-being of children and their families is maintained while still striving to make a difference in this ever-changing society.   We must believe that our seemingly insurmountable tasks will eventually lead to rewards through which we will be fueled to move forward even further. 

In developing my own research initiative, I encountered my own difficulties.  I experienced great difficulty in narrowing down my topic of study to a degree that allowed for the most effective and accurate accumulation of data, while meeting the criteria feasible according to budget and time allowances.  I now realize that my mere presence in a classroom may affect the collection of data.  I also must accept the fact that there may be power struggles that exist beneath even the most well planned programs.  Through the comments of my instructor and my colleagues I was able to see things from differing perspectives, which led me to my final design.  I am thankful to you all! 

Overall, I have learned that my development as an early childhood professional will never be complete.  My work over the last eight weeks has taught me a great deal about the research aspect of early childhood studies.  What I have realized just today is that my passion is in ensuring that every child is offered the supports which suit them best.  After attending PTA meetings, Open Houses, and family reunions, I was reassured that I have the capability to help many, with the appropriate application.  I have guided families toward programs, individuals, professionals, and community outreach opportunities where they can find essential resources.  Ultimately, I have learned that I can make a difference, and that every time I do I rekindle my passion for the prosperity of positive early childhood experiences.  

 

References

MacNaughton, G. Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I., (2010). Doing early childhood research:        International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY:  McGraw-Hill.

Research Around the World

Establishing contact with an early childhood professional from Australia during my last class prompted me to further investigate the resources available there.  I chose to research Early Childhood Australia to determine what current research is underway concerning Early Childhood conditions on the other side of the planet.  Our nations share several ideologies, accomplishments, and struggles.  What I learned was that current mentioned research evidenced what my contact had shared with me concerning conditions for the field that were relevant to her personally. 

This year alone, there have been several inquiries made regarding budgeting issues and the National Quality Framework by which they base their curriculum and practice methodologies.  Additional areas of concern and current research include affordable quality education and care, online safety, and immigration which area also key concerns in the United States.  Further research is being conducted regarding self-destructive and suicidal behaviors among children, and grandparents as primary caregivers. 

This organization is comparable to NAEYC, which is the leading resource for Early Childhood matters here in the United States.  Both websites are set up similarly, offering broad general information as well as sections dedicated to news and media, parent resources, educator resources, and membership opportunities.  Similarly, both institutions value integrity, collaboration, leadership, and inclusiveness with shared positive visions for the future of young children.

I don’t know that I would say that our similarities surprised me, but I did find one difference that I would like to mention.  It seems to me that in Australia, the Aboriginal and Indigenous people are regarded much differently than in the United States.  I do not know the history of the country, or how things occur daily, but it seems like the issues of native peoples are considered in a greater perspective than we consider Native American populations.  It may be that we are more greatly influenced by immigrant populations or that issues are entirely different, but it is something I plan to investigate further. 

I am grateful that organizations with the intention of improving early childhood conditions exist worldwide.  It will be through the global collaboration and development of “best” practice and methodology that the greatest strides will be made.  The continuing research within the field indicates that there is great hope for the future.  I am happy to say that I am a part of such a caring and ambitious group of professionals.  

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/