- The name of “your” family’s country of origin
The family who will be immigrating
to our country is coming from Circassia, Russia. Happen to be from the same
country as my son’s biological father’s relatives. I have always been
fascinated with this part of Russia and wanted to learn more about the people
and their culture. This will be the perfect opportunity.
- At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family.
1. I will look for local stores in
my area or surrounding areas that might sell Russian food. There is a small
enclave of Russian families in Long Beach and also Los Angeles where I can
start. I hope to see if any of the customers or workers speaks the language of
the Circassians and would help me learn some greetings and other helpful words.
2. I will find food and some
recipes from the people I talk to in the stores and practice making a dish that
would be common for them and remind them of home.
3. I will make calls to the family
with an interpreter in case they do not speak English well. I will make sure to
ask them about their religious beliefs, health concerns, educational concerns,
and any accommodations I may need to make in order to help them feel at home
when they visit.
4. I will conduct more research on
that part of the country to have a better understanding about the weather and
nature there so I can make my visitor’s time here as comfortable as possible.
5. I will plan outing for us to go
exploring my city and some places that I like to photograph. I would love to
share my world with them as well so we can all get to know each other by
sharing some fun times and making memories.
- A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family:
I believe these preparations will not only help my new
friends feel more at home, but show them that I am truly and genuinely invested
in making sure they feel comfortable and safe while visiting and finding a
place to stay. I want the children to feel secure and unafraid. I would hope
that my efforts will show the family that I want to help them and that I
respect their ways and beliefs.
Kim, what a wonderful thing to learn more about your sons background. I did not think about finding local places to find information. Great post.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim - Using your local resources, such as the Russian grocery store,its customers, and its workers, was a wonderful way to help you prepare for a "future" student from this part of Russia. I also liked your idea of showing the family around, so that they could learn about the area, too. Your ideas promote a welcoming spirit to this new family. I think they would appreciate all of your efforts.
ReplyDeleteKim, thank you for sharing your research from your son's father's background! I think that all of your hard work researching local resources is great for the family relocating to your program. I also think the family will appreciate all of your efforts in ensuring that they feel comfortable and secure!
ReplyDelete