I have learned a lot this semester.
A child’s culture and family background greatly impacts his experience
and learning. I strongly connected to
the story of Lia Lee, a Hmong child with epilepsy, who suffered under the
cultural dissonance between her family and the medical doctors in Merced,
California (Fadiman, 2012). There are
multiple perspectives on each situation—none are inherently right or
wrong. Educators need to consider the
family and cultural beliefs present. Teachers
should focus on developing relationships with families based on mutual respect
and consideration. Then and only then can a
true reciprocal partnership be achieved.
Ultimately, as in the case of Lia, it is the child who suffers when
parents and teachers are unable to come together on goals and practices.
References
Fadiman,
A. (2012). The spirit catches you and you
fall down: A Hmong child, her American doctors, and the collision of two
cultures. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I really liked the reference you made to the "reciprocal relationship." This is something that I think we should always strive for. I know we build relationships all the time but do we always consider if they are reciprocal and what does that look like for the children and families that we are working with.
Best wishes,
Pam
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteGreat Job!! I agree with you, educators have to consider their students' culture and background. They have to respect differences as they respect similarities.