Welcoming Families From Around the World

My country of origin is North America, it has been said my ancestor are from Africa. My great grandmother was born and raised Louisiana and my grandmother was born in Ohio. They brought a southern culture to the Midwest. By working in the child care center engaging children of different ethnicities it is always a challenge at first until you learn their culture. Thailand is a country I am unfamiliar with its culture. To prepare myself for the three children beginning the program from Thailand I will first remind myself to have an open mind. I have to be receptive of any differences I am not already accustomed too. Secondly I was conduct research myself attempt to learn what is considered the “norm” for the people of Thailand. I would need to be aware of the native language, religion, specific practices or rituals. Prior to the children starting the program I would meet with the parent attempt to learn their family structure, some of their personal social identities. Lastly after the children start the program I will gain continue to remind myself to be open minded, avoid stereotypes and ensure that is a language barriers exist have multilingual communications. The children of Thailand will be migrating to another country with a different culture. The American culture will dominate over their culture, this may cause some difficulty with the family. My focus will be to acknowledge their culture to make a comfortable transition and to foster healthy learning environment.