What a Great Assignment

The problem is not trying to find a country that I know little about but rather choosing one from so many. This is a shameful reality realizing I live abroad and interact in an international community.

The country I choose is Gambia.

Firstly, I would do some online checking to get some geographical, language, political and historical information about this country. Food, animals, vegetation and birds would be helpful.

Secondly, I would contact their Embassy and ask to visit asking for posters, artifacts, children's authors, music, food and perhaps even traditional dress. If possible, I would find out some reasons why the family is coming here i.e. what the business ventures are with China.

Thirdly, I would go to Amazon and order some Toddler-friendly books that represent this country, its animals, cultural sights and landscapes for our library. I would also order some table top books that could be made into laminated picture books and pictures for the wall.

While preparing the classroom, I would learn special terms for dress, mannerisms, family members, special food, eating preparation, utensils and conduct. I would see that some of their native animals are represented in our dress-up box, barns and animal trays.

Lastly, if possible I would try to learn a greeting in the native language and perhaps through listening to the music get a sense for the rhythm of their speech. When the family arrives at my door, I will ask about special and significant words that the child will need to understand. I will also ask the caregiver to spend the morning in the classroom for me to observe their interaction and of course for him/her to see us in action. I would like to have traditional children's music playing.

I want the entire family to know there is a place for them in our school and specifically in my classroom. Coming to a foreign country is difficult in itself and leaving your child with more strangers can be more than challenging. That is why I have peek holes in our classroom window to the hallway, so they can pop in and check any time without disturbing the child. This may not be home, but it will be a haven where there little one will be nurtured and accepted.

The reason I find this such an important exercise is that I do not do this for each of my children. Being an international school we have some resources but following these steps would make our time together so much more equitable and welcoming.