Welcoming Families From Around the World

• The name of “your” family’s country of origin:

Portugal is on the western edge of Europe.  It is a developed country and is a country of very little diversity.  Its residents are over 90% Portuguese.  The dominant language in Portugal is Portuguese.  The predominant religion is Catholicism.  The school systems in Portugal are very successful with a 99% literacy rate.

• At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family:
1. Look up the location of this country on the map
2. Research on the internet some cultural norms of this country
3. Include representation of this country in my posters and bulletin boards
4. Set out and prepare lessons around children’s books that include people and/or information about this country, diversity, and acceptance of others
5. Set up a meeting with an interpreter and the family to get to know them and find out what I can do to make them feel welcome and to help ensure their child’s success.
• A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family

These preparations will help me to be better prepared for this student and family.  It will also help to expand my knowledge and cultural awareness by learning about a place I previously had very little knowledge of.  It will help the family to feel more accepted and comfortable in their new country and new school setting.  I would be hopeful that I could provide a positive first experience with school that will continue throughout resulting in a successful school experience.