Resources for Teachers Working with Students from Immigrant Families
Did you know that the Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation and the Alberta Teachers’ Association have a series of
resources for teachers working with immigrant students and families? Their current information sheets and handbooks on working with Somali-Canadian and South Sudanese-Canadian students provide regional information about culture and community, school traditions, links to resources and more.
Multicultural Principles for Early Childhood Leaders
This Head Start resource is divided into 10 chapters, with each chapter presenting one multicultural principle, the research and guidance to support that principle, and questions and/or discussion activities. You can download the individual chapters, or the entire resource here to use for professional learning activities, or for personal professional development
here.
Teaching Diversity without the Tourist Approach
One of our greatest strengths in CNC programs is our diversity. Unfortunately, even with our varied backgrounds, caregivers sometimes fall into the trap of teaching children about diversity mainly through special cultural holidays or events. This is referred to as the “tourist approach” because it gives a narrow view of a culture. This article,
Teaching Diversity without the Tourist Approach, shares some ideas for how to integrate culture into child care programs in a more holistic way.
Webinar: Trauma Informed Care for Refugees and Children
What are the effects of trauma on immigrant children? How is mental health screening done? What are some options for helping children who have experienced trauma? Recorded in November 2016,
this webinar discusses issues that children face when exposed to trauma and helps caregivers learn to respond appropriately.
Breaking the Stigma: Can Children with Special Needs Learn a Second Language?
Some families and professionals believe that it’s too difficult for a child with special needs to learn a second language, but
research shows that children with special needs can become bilingual. In a study of children with language impairment, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, researchers confirmed that children’s ability to learn is based on their age, the degree of their disability, their intellectual capacity and their proficiency in their first language.
What does it mean to be culturally competent?
What does cultural competence mean and why is it so important for children to have their culture and cultural backgrounds acknowledged, respected and valued? Underlying cultural competence are the principles of trust, respect for diversity, equity, fairness, and social justice.
Read more...
Podcast: Immigrant and Refugee Children in Childcare
In this
recording, Julie Dotsch, writer, presenter and trainer for CMAS, discusses research and practices that support refugee children and families. She looks at the importance of keeping traditions alive by integrating them into the new culture as well as the importance of newcomer families maintaining their home languages.
60 Free Watercolours of Diverse Families
Painted by artist, Claire Fletcher, these beautiful watercolours show
images of diverse families engaged in a variety of activities - going to the doctor, reading time, dads group, family games, hand washing and cooking together. They are free for non-commercial use, so you can print them to display in your program, or use them in parent newsletters/resources!
How Can I Improve My Cultural Competence?
To be truly culturally competent, educators need to be engaged in ongoing learning and reflective practices. This newsletter developed for Australia’s Early Learning Framework, looks at the issue of
Understanding Cultural Competence in Early Learning and Care. In it, you’ll find insights and questions to reflect on that will support your work with children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
20 Short Videos Document Dual Language Learning
Teaching at the Beginning is dedicated to educators of young dual language learners.
They have developed a
series of videos that show language learning in action - from teachers learning the languages of the children, to children creating connections between languages! There's also a 45-page
training guide that you can use with the videos as an individual, or with your team for professional development. It includes, questions and suggested reflections that allow you to really expand your thinking and knowledge of second language learning with children!
