Read the Cultural Differences Scenarios. Pick 3 scenarios, then answer the following questions:
- Identify which 3 scenarios you chose. Why did you pick them?
- What impact does the difference in cultural practices have on the child? Why?
- Is there another way to handle the situation?
- How does this connect to the Gonzalez-Mena (2008) reading? Make specific connections, identifying the page number.
- Did you test your ability to access the movie Babies from BMCC video database (Steps to Access the movie Babies)? How did it work?
Respond to 2 other posts!
Cultural-Differences-Scenarios
Scenario 1- I chose this scenario because people often pronounce my name incorrectly. I’m taken back by the teachers response because I couldn’t imagine someone outright saying they will call me something else without my permission. Assuming that Ifemelu is a name that was given to the child based on their culture, to call her anything other than that is quite offensive. The child may start to feel ashamed of her name because the comment the teacher made of her name being “difficult”. The teacher could have handle the situation differently by asking the child to pronounce her name again, and let her know that her name was beautiful and unique. The teacher could also play song games at the start of the day during circle time to learn each others name. This scenario connects to Gonzalez-Mena [2008] reading because it relates to when she discusses how ignoring someone’s integral aspect of culture is the same as ignoring someone’s identity. The child’s name is a vital part of their identity and to dismiss that is passive aggressive.
Scenario 2- I chose this scenario because I’m always curious to see how other cultures eat. As a self proclaimed chef I am always exploring food and different culture dishes. My reaction to this scenario is that I believe its okay for the teacher to introduce a spoon to the child. I believe its okay to know how to use different tools for eating. This could potentially benefit the child in a good way learning to use multiple tools. Another way to handle the situation is to ask the family if they want him to use chopsticks during feeding time and ask if they could provide a set of chopsticks for the class. I also would also ask the family if they would like to come in and give a demonstration on how to use the chopsticks. I could also maybe incorporate that as a monthly themed like “Chopsticks Tuesday” where all the children would use chopsticks that day. The scenario connected to Gonzalez-Mena [2008] because it discusses differences between things that are done at home and in school. Teachers should teach new cultural systems but also ensure that home cultures are not forgotten.
Scenario 5- I chose those because again I have a fascination with food. My reaction is that I’m okay with the child eating with their hands depending on what food it is. Eating mashed foods may be more difficult to eat with hands and may require a spoon. I would ask the family if I could introduce the child to a spoon. I believe that being introduce to a spoon will not take away from their traditions but add to it. They will still be eating with their hands as well so as long as the routines are consisting I believe the child will adapt. Another way to handle the situation is getting the family involved to find out what works best for the child. This relates to Gonzalez-Mena [2008] because again it discusses things that are done at home versus things that are done at school. Teacher’s job are not to eradicate the home culture but include it.
Yes I test my ability to access video database. Reached out to the chat online because my library code wasn’t activated, Filled out a form and they said it would 24hours to activate.
Hey Deborah, I like your response to all of them. I totally agree to your response on the 2nd scenario it is definitely important to respect every child’s culture however it is also totally fine to introduce the child to a spoon. Good Job :).
Hey Deborah, I agree with your response to scenario 1 and can relate because people always mispronounce my name and think it’s ok to call me what they want.
Deb — Thanks for your insights. I wish scenario #1 was made-up, but it is a real-life event. You have clear connections to Gonzalez-Mena (2008) for each of your scenarios! For scenario #5, what if the family doesn’t have a spoon at home?
Hey Deb, I like how you answered scenario 5. This one was a little tricky for me, at first I thought well, maybe teaching Zed how to eat with a spoon will help him with his motor skills and unlimitedly teach him how to eat properly with a spoon, but then I realize now allowing him to eat they way he does, wouldn’t really be respecting his culture backgrounds.
Scenario 1,2 and 3 I chose because I feel they are the most common in real life situations that I have seen or heard someone go through.
Scenario 1
1.My reaction is, Absolutely NOT! I don’t think is okay to just give a child another name because you can’t pronounce it
2.This will impact the child, making Ifemelu think her name is something is not, she will be confused when trying to learn her name.
3.I think the teacher should try to learn Ifemelu’s name
4.Like mention about Culture Pluraslim Gonzalez-Mena (2008) talks about how individuals should be allowed and encourage to on hold to what gives them their unique identities(6), so I think the teacher should have made and effort to learn Ifemelu’s name, showing that she’s encouraging and supporting her identity.
Scenario 2
1.My reaction is the same, being respectful to the child’s background and culture is important, so allowing her to eat the way she eats at home is what they should allow her to do.
2.This can eventually affect Ying and the way she eats at home, which isn’t respecting the family’s culture. The parents may also be taken back by this.
3.I think the teachers should aloe Ying to eat the way she eats at home
4.Children should be able to have a connection to their home in school and like Gonzalez-Mena mention, teachers should be able adapt and respect family’s structures and preferences (pg5).
Scenario 3
1.My reaction is what are they doing to help baby Angelique feel comfortable. Making children feel comfortable and connected to home can help
2.If baby Angelique doesn’t feel comfortable or safe to sleep, she will be cranky and have trouble with her sleeping schedule at home.
3.The teachers can work with the family to see how they can both come together to support Angelique when sleeping at school. Possibly bring an item from home that makes Angelique feels connected to home.
4.In Gonzalez-Mena (2008) reading, it talks about teachers and families working together to support children, like creating trusting partnerships (pg4).
Yes, I have access to BMCC video database from last semester when I requested it. I plan on watching Babies later tonight or tomorrow.
Hey Erica I like your reaction to scenario one! That’s exactly what I said in my head when reading it. I agree 100% the teacher should make it her business to learn the child’s name.
Hey Erica, I like how you answered scenario 3.
Hey Erica, I love all of your response. I like how you would have handle scenario number 3. It is very important to make the child feel as comfortable as possible. Good Job :).
Erica, I like how you went by all questions in order and answered them well! Good job. I like how you explained scenario 1. It is important for teachers should learn how to call one’s name as this is how kids feel appreciated and respected.
Erica, I definitely agree with how you would handle each one of the scenario’s you have chosen, Great Job!
Erica — I am happy you could access Babies — we will watch it during week 11! You included Gonzalez-Mena (2008) in all of your responses! Your responses demonstrate your focus for embracing a family’s culture!
Hi Erica, I agree with how you would handle the scenarios
I choose Scenarios 1,2 and 3, because these scenarios are mostly what happens in everyday life and or have happened to me or someone else that I know.
Scenarios 1: I believe this is very disrespectful on the teacher’s part, not the fact that she couldn’t pronounce the name of the child but the way she handled the situation. We are in a country where we will have to work with people from all over the world, and so sometimes we will make mistakes however what matters is the way we handle the situation. For example the way this situation I believe should have been handled is the teacher reads the name and notices she can’t pronounce it, then she should have asked the child how do you pronounce the name and would you like us to call you by any nickname of your choice or just your regular name.This situation could have made the child feel very uncomfortable and she would start to feel ashamed of her name. This scenario connects to Gonzalez-Mena [2008] reading because it is almost the same as ignoring someone’s identity. A child’s name represents their identity and can represent their culture as well, and so teachers should respect their students including their culture, and their backgrounds.
Scenario 2: My reaction is that I believe this is normal. The school provides essentials that they have and they basically work with what they have. Yes the child might be used to using chopsticks at home however at school I am not sure that they provide chopsticks.I believe that it is okay for the child to learn how to use a spoon. However if the child does not want to use a spoon a teacher can take extra steps and provide the child with chopsticks. This scenario is a perfect example of culture practice and this shows that culture has influenced the child to use the chopsticks and that it is a cultural practice. In the scenario it doesn’t say that the child was not allowed chopsticks, it’s just simply what they have in the school that is what they provide. If it was a case that the child has chopsticks and the teacher is not allowing the child to use them then that is a different situation that I would definitely not be okay with. It is very important to me to respect every child’s cultural ways. The scenario connected to Gonzalez-Mena [2008] because there are things that are done differently between school and home. However no matter how things are done in school it is important to also respect and let students know that their culture is not forgotten. This can be done by having days where students from different cultures can bring in food and show the class and talk about how their culture is and stuff.
Scenario 5: I believe this scenario is similar to scenario 2, even though it is important to respect the child’s culture and what they do at home it is okay to teach children different ways they can eat. I believe once the child sees their friends eat with spoons they will also get influenced to eat in that way however it is the matter of time and getting used to new ways. The child’s ways of eating with fingers in this situation is definitely a cultural practice. This relates to Gonzalez-Mena [2008] because like I mentioned above in scenario 2, things are done differently in school and homes however it is important to respect everyone’s culture.
Yes, right after this post I will follow the steps into getting access the movie Babies from BMCC video database.
Hey Edisa, I agree with your response to scenario 2. i believe it’s not bad to learn how to eat with a spoon as long as the child is comfortable doing so.
Edisa, I like how you have a different point of view in scenario 2 and you have your reason to it too. It is better for kids to be able to learn different ways of eating as it will help them in future.
Hi Edisa, I agree with your answers and I like how they are explained with so much details
Scenario #1: I chose this because throughout my entire life almost everyone mispronounces my name even when I correct them. Then they call me something else without my permission so I can relate to this. This can make you feel uncomfortable. The teacher should practice the pronunciation of the child’s name instead of choosing what to call her. Or ask if the child has a nickname and what their comfortable with being called. This relates to the Gonzalez-Mena (2008) reading because this shows how the teacher doesn’t respect Ifemelu’s identity. Everyone has a meaning to their name and the teacher just didn’t care about how she would feel.
Scenario #2: I chose this because I can relate to this kind of. I do not eat with forks at all I prefer a spoon. It’s annoying if I am in a class and since everyone is eating with a fork, I have to also when I am not comfortable with that. I think the teacher should let Ying use chopsticks in class or whatever he is comfortable using. I don’t really think it’s a problem to give him a spoon if he’s comfortable using it. Instead of just giving Ying a spoon, I would have asked the family if they would prefer him to use chopsticks then respect their choice. This connects to the reading because it explains how things are done differently at home than in school but it’s important to respect the child’s background and cultural.
Scenario #3: I chose this because I feel this is really an important situation. If a baby is crying, you should do everything you can to make them feel safe and ok. So with this situation, Im just wondering if they are doing anything to make Angelique comfortable or talking to the parents to let them know what happens when she is put in the crib so the caretaker can understand why baby Angelique reacts that way. In this situation I would talk to the parents to see if there is anything going on at home or just ask about her sleeping schedule. Then find a way to make Angelique more comfortable when sleeping at school. This connects to the reading because it talks about how communication between the family and caregiver is important to understand and support the child and respecting one another. They should work together to make things better and find a solution.
Yes I have access to the movies Babies from BMCC video database. It worked fine.
Solanny, In definitely agree with you in scenario one about asking the child if they have a nickname they can call them rather than telling them what they should be called. Great job.
Solanny — Thanks for your responses! Your replies demonstrate your focus on supporting the child’s culture!
HI Solanny, I agree with what you said in scenario 3 that speaking to parents is a very important part of understanding the child
I agree with you Solanny on scenario 3, like in class we learn caring and being responsive to babies when they cry, makes them feel safe.
Scenario 1
My reaction is, I totally disagree, the fact that I can’t pronounce a name correctly doesn’t give me the right to call the child a different name. I believe that would be to violate his identity.
This will impact the child as it would be confusing the identity.
The teacher has to learn to pronounce the name correctly.
When the author talks about Culture Pluralism, it is mentioned that the goal is to encourage people embrace their identities. Gonzalez-Mena (2008). As the educator, the teacher must do her best on learning how to pronounce Ifelmu’s name.
Scenario 3
My reaction is: Making baby angelique feel she is being taken care of, and maybe bring something that remids her of home.
Baby angelique doesn’t feel comfortable to fall asleep there, then she will be fuzzy as she is tired, which later could cause issues when bedtime.
The caregiver and parents should find a solution for Angelique to feel comfortable to sleep at the program.Bringing a personal object from home could be a solution.
On the article, the author states that it is quite important to establish a communication relationship with the families in order to provide higher quality care for the child. Gonzalez-Mena (2008)
Scenario 5
My reaction is, I have no problem with the child eat with his bare hands. Even though I know using a spoon could make it easier.I’d suggest the family to encourage the child to learn how to use the spoon.
I don’t think it would have something to do with their culture, as the only goal is to make it easier for the child.
I strongly believe the child will adopt the costume and learn how to use it properly.
I could also handle the situation by just having a conversation with the family, so I can learn what their beliefs are and come to a solution. This is related to the article of Gonzalez-Mena (2008) because the author argues the importance of the things that are done at home and the things that they do at school, stating that is is the teacher’s responsibility to includes the child’s usual practices.
Hey Juliana, I agree with everything you said !
Juli — Thanks for your insights! You connected Gonzalez-Mena (2008) to each of your responses! In scenario #3 you are working to make Angelique most comfortable! What if the family in scenario #5 don’t own a spoon or know how to eat with a spoon?
I chose scenario 1,2 and 3 as I could picture these happening in a kid’s daily life. These three are the common ones and I have experienced these happening around me.
Scenario 1 – My reaction would be pleasant. I do not think that it is right for anybody to change a kid’s name and shorten it only because it is hard to pronounce it. This is unfair to the kid as this will steal her identity from her own self. This will impact the child as she will not feel herself as the teacher is calling her by some other name which is not hers. The girl will feel disrespected and will not learn her own name as a child as that is not what the teacher will call her as. The girl will learn what she hears. I feel that the teacher should learn her name or the most she can do it try to pronounce her name. It connects to Gonzalez-Mena (2008) reading as there it mentioned that it is important to keep one’ unique identity and I feel that the girl in this scenario should do the same and learn her real name. She should be aware of her identity, and she should feel unique about herself.
Scenario 2 – I feel that teachers should make Ying feel the same as she does at home. Replacing chopsticks with spoon is not a very good idea. It is disrespecting her culture and wellbeing. My reaction to this is that I do not feel comfortable with the idea of changing a child’s routine and things she uses on a daily basis. Ying would feel weird about using spoon instead of chopsticks and she would find it difficult to even eat. It would also impact her identity as this not who she really is. It is also a disrespect of her culture. I strongly believe that teachers should allow Ying to eat the way she does at home, with a chopstick. Even if other kids are using spoons, Ying should use what she is comfortable with. As in the reading by Gonzalez-Mena mentions that teachers should be able to adapt the family’s structure at their centre as well so that babies do not feel detached with their framework set at homes.
Scenario 3 – Most people believe that teachers should be the ones who should arrange some alternative for kids who cannot sleep in cribs. But I feel that babies should start practicing to sleep in their cribs starting from 4-5 months The sooner kids get comfortable, it is better for them. Once in a while is okay but I feel that if parent make it a habit then kids learn fast and do not experience difficulty later. Kids who are not used to sleeping alone in the crib would find it hard and would cry and be uncomfortable. In this case, kids can bring their favorite toy or something that soothes them and makes them feel a bit relaxed. This would remind them of home and they would feel a little better. As in the reading by Gonzalez-Mena mentions that teachers and families work together to support the child’s development, likewise, in this scenario, parents and the staff should connect and discuss what plan are they going by and fix schedules and activities accordingly. Both have to agree on one thing that is helping the child grow and develop.
Yes, I will be following steps to access the video database after this submission. Thank you!
Vavi — Thanks for your post! Your responses demonstrate your support for a child’s home culture & practices!
Hi Vavi I agree with you scenario 3 that bringing in a child’s favorite toy can make their transition easier
Scenario #1
From reading this article I am very disappointed that a teacher would say this to a child because it is very disrespectful. I believe that the child could get confused by their own identity, so if the teacher was to call out attendance and you say the Childs name that was given to her by her teacher she is going to get confused and not raise her hand for attendance. if I was a teacher I would ask the child his/her name and if I could not pronounce it I would keep trying to learn his/her name or ask if it is okay to call them something else of their choosing. This relates to Gonzalez/Mena because it speaks on encouraging other people’s identities.
Scenario #2
I do not really know how to feel about this scenario, though I definitely feel like this happens to children a lot in schools. I definitely feel that if the parents prefer that he uses chopsticks to eat then it should be what the parents want but then again I do think that if you are going to replace the child’s eating utensils then you should speak to the child’s parents to see if it would be okay to also show the child that their is more than one way to eating. I would call up the parents to make sure they would feel comfortable with that decision and not make them feel like I am disrespecting their culture at all because I am not, it is all about showing the child new things. This connects with Gonzalez and Mena because it speaks on the way things are done differently between home and school.
Scenario #5
I am very understanding towards this scenario because in many schools they don’t realize that sometimes when they eat with their hands or any other way they eat that way at home along with their family. If I was the child’s teacher I would speak to they parents and let them know how their child eats at school and see if that is how they eat at home and if so I would ask if I could slowly introduce the spoon to the child to add to their eating skills. It relates to Gonzalez-Mena because it discusses certain things done at home rather than done at school.
agreed. Sometimes it is best to ask the parents how they eat at home, so the child can also keep their culture alive even at school
Tiana — Thanks for sharing your thoughts! You connected Gonzalez-Mena (2008) to your responses! For scenario #2, do you think the Ying will know that other people eat without chopsticks by being in group programming and seeing other children eating with spoons? What if the family in scenario #5 do not have a spoon or know how to eat with a spoon?
Scenario #1: My reaction would of been that is not okay because just because you dont know how to pronounce a child’s name dont mean you have to call them something else. This would impact the child because the child will start to be confused, In my opinion I believe that the teacher has to be a teacher and learn the childs name. This relates to the reading Gonzalez-Mena (2008) reading because the reading was kind of related to ignoring a childs identity.
Scenario #2: My reaction to this scenario is respect the childs culture and let him eat with the chopsticks. I say this because if he is used to eating with chopsticks at home then he should be able to still use the chopsticks at school because thats what he is comfortable using. This can affect the child because he may be used to using chopsticks. Another way i would handle this situation is calling his mom or dad and ask them if it is ok if i give him a spoon, if the parents say no then i would respect the parents decision and give him use the chopsticks. This connects back to Gonzalez -Mena (2008) because it speaks about things being different from home and school.
Scneario #5: My reaction would be let him eat with his fingers because thats what he is used to using. I feel like once the baby is comfortable with using a spoon then eventually he will use the spoon. I would handle this situation by speaking to a parent and see they views on me eventually introducing a spoon to the child. This connects back to Gonzalez-Mena (2008) because it stated that things are done different at home.
Agreed with scenario #1 the child will become impacted from how their name is pronounced
1. I choose scenarios # 1, 2, 3 because each one of them deals with an issue that can be typically seen with families that their culture is everything to them in a culture that does things differently.
2. The impact that the cultural practices have on the child can ultimately be that the child leaves their own culture to adopt what is normal in the program.
3. I think in every situation it could have been handled differently:
-Scenario #1: the teacher could have put more effort into learning how to pronounce the baby’s name and actually getting to know the child and the family of the child.
-Scenario #2: The teacher could have asked beforehand how the child likes to eat, what they would usually do and such. This gives respect to the baby and shows that the teacher cares for the child.
-Scenario #3: If the caregiver notices that the child does not like to sleep on the crib it should signal to the caregiver that they should ask the parent if there is something that the child does before bed or what is the child’s routine before bed and learning how to help the baby be at ease before nap time, what the caregiver can do to help the child.
4. This connects to the reading because in the reading it talks about how we can have a certain perspective on what culture should be and we become biased and narrow on what should be expected and sometimes caregivers don’t intentionally try to do this but do and can in a way remove the child’s culture and make the child adopt a culture and leave their own.
5.Yes i am able to access the babies movie.
Scenario 1
My reaction to this was how disrespectful. I’m not saying that you have to be able to pronounce everyone’s name correctly but you can at least try. After saying a persons name over and over you get a hang of it . If someone’s name is giving you a hard time, the least you can do is ask their permission to call them something other than their name or even to use a nickname. Saying that their name is just too hard to pronounce is just rude. This connects to the reading Gonzalez-Mena (2008) because in the reading talks about ignoring a child’s identity.
Scenario 2
My reaction to this scenario was how sad it was. I think that each child should have an option of what it is they want to use to eat with, you should not just assume that that child knows how to use a spoon especially if they are of a different culture. This is when talking to parents and have a good bond and communication skills come in handy. This way you will know from the parents that the child prefers to use chopsticks. In the reading Gonzalez- Mena (2008) they spoke about things at home being different of things at school and I think that connects to this scenario.
Scenario 3
My reaction to this is that the teachers need to help and try to make the child more comfortable. Once again communicating with the parents is very important. You want to know why it is Angelique has a hard time sleeping in the crib by herself. Bringing in a child’s favorite toy may help them to feel more comfortable. This connects to Gonzalez-Mena (2008) because they talk about teachers and parents working together to make the transition for a child easier.
I reviewed this module
Scenario 1:
My reaction is that its definitely not okay to call a child another name just because you cant pronounce their actual name. It’s not okay because as a teacher you must get the okay from both the child and the parent to make sure that they are aware and they approve with your decisions. This will impact the child because it will be considered confusing the identity. the proper way that the situation should’ve been handled is by asking the parent and the child for their permission instead of telling the child what he/ she would rather do. This connects to the reading because it relates to ignoring the Childs identity.
Scenario 2:
My reaction is that the situation is normal. Although the child is used to using chopsticks at their house because of there cultural, I’m sure that schools don’t provide the children with chopsticks. besides that its also good to learn new things especially if its a daily use they will need in life. This scenario shows cultural practice. I feel like the situation could be handled by the parents packing a pair of chopsticks for their child so that they can feel as comfortable as possible. This connects to the reading because they speak about the different things that are done between the school and the child’s house.
Scenario 3:
My reaction is that the child is uncomfortable and that the teacher should try to change that feeling for them. the teacher should definitely communicate with the parents and he/she can also try little things like offering the child a toy to sleep with. This connects to the reading because they speak about the different things that are done between the program and the child’s house.
Scenario’s 1,2 & 3
1 *- My first reaction is shock but as a teacher you have to learn the child’s name or ask the family how to correctly say the name
2
*- My reaction is that the child is unconfortable using a spoon, Have the child’s parents bring his chopsticks to use durring meal time
3*- My reaction is that the child is scared to sleep by themselves and to help with that bring something from home like a toy o blanket
so the child is comfortable to sleep by themselves
Question 2- The impact is that each child is different culturally and as a teacher you have to learn to be flexible with each kid and learn
their different needs
I re-reviewed this module