Integrating migrant families into early childhood education communities

¶ … family probably feels occasional loneliness and isolation due to the parents being migrant workers. To strengthen family and community bonds in a way that respects the family's privacy, I would first approach them to offer a warm welcome gift. If the family seemed receptive to socializing and integrating with the community, then I would be able to take the relationship a step further. Otherwise, it would be wrong to assume that the family is interested in immediately engaging in social activities that are artificial, structured, and potentially of no interest to them. It is important to understand the cultural variables that are at stake too. If the family speaks different languages than the ones already spoken in our community, it might be helpful to find some way of learning about that family's language and culture. The children should be encouraged to talk about their background, their way of life, and use their mother tongue to educate the other children about their way of life.

Unit 7 Discussion

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is essential to the understanding of early childhood education. Decades of research on child development has yielded a body of knowledge that can be individualized and applied to unique scenarios, as well as adapted for use in any classroom ("Twelve Principles of Child Development and Learning that Inform Practice," n.d.). One of the DAP principles is that every area of learning is important, which is something that I believe personally and wish to incorporate into my future classrooms. Music and art are as important as math and reading, which is something that school administrators and curriculum developers sometimes neglect due to the strident rules related to standardized testing. However, young children need a wide variety of stimulations. I would include in my classroom the resources and tools for children to learn about geography, math, music, and everything else by stocking the room with books and materials.

Unit 9 Discussion

Setting up a classroom for diverse students, including those with special needs, can be an enjoyable challenge. Sahara should become well-versed in literature related to the different needs of children and how to create an inclusive classroom. The key for Sahara is coming up with activities that bring together the children in shared activities, rather than encourage segregation and isolation. Another thing that Sahara can do is to develop relationships with all the parents, in ways such as holding bake sales or fairs. This will help create a community in the classroom, and dispel any underlying stereotypes and prejudices that may lurk beneath the surface. The classroom should also be set up in ways that encourages students to interact with each other. For example, sitting in a circle is preferable to sitting in rows.