The New Teacher Book By Bob Peterson and Kelley Dawson Salas
This is a brief excerpt from the book, The New Teacher Book by Bob Peterson and Kelley Dawson Salas. What are your thoughts and/or experiences?
Strategies For Becoming More Culturally Competent
• If you do not yet speak the languages of the children you work with, start learning. Even if you do not master your a student's language, learning a few words and courtesy phrases is a sign of respect and effort on your part. If you already speak your students languages, congratulations! Continue to work at improving your skills.
• Learn about the cultures of the children you teach. Listen to your students and show interest in their cultures while being careful not to put students on the spot or assume that they're experts on their cultures. Plan assignments that bring students' cultures, families, languages, and experiences front and center. Talk with colleagues, parents, and friends who share the students' backgrounds. Read, see movies, listen to music, travel to the students' home countries if possible. This is a lifelong process.
• Find ways to communicate with parents in their first language unless they ask you to speak with them in English. For example, find out if an interpreter is needed, and arrange for one ahead of time.
