Review media segment in which three early childhood professionals discuss their thoughts and experiences in working with children and their families who are immigrants. Which comments and insights from the media segment resonated with you the most?
Bring to mind the course text reading and the ideas shared throughout Chapter 5. Also consider what you have learned about transnational families from the article Supporting Transnational Families. What aspects of cultural dissonance might a child from a transnational family experience? How might these aspects be revealed in the context of an authentic transnational family?
Finally, think about your own personal and professional dispositions. What do you expect will be your greatest joy(s) and challenge(s) when it comes to working with immigrant and/or transnational families?
Then address the following prompts:
At least one specific idea, experience, and/or challenge presented by the practitioners in the media segment that you found to be particularly noteworthy, insightful, or helpful as it relates to working with families and children who are immigrants.
A summary of three aspects of cultural dissonance a child from a transnational family might experience. In your summary, compose a brief scenario that illustrates one of these aspects in the context of an authentic transnational family.
Full Answer Section
A summary of three aspects of cultural dissonance a child from a transnational family might experience:
Here are three aspects of cultural dissonance that a child from a transnational family might experience:
- Language: Children from transnational families may speak one language at home and another language at school. This can be confusing and stressful for children. They may feel like they don't belong in either place.
- Culture: Children from transnational families may be exposed to two different cultures. This can be challenging as they try to navigate between the two cultures. They may feel like they have to choose between their two cultures.
- Identity: Children from transnational families may have to develop a bicultural identity. This means that they have to learn to embrace both of their cultures. This can be a difficult process, but it is important for children to feel like they belong.
Here is a brief scenario that illustrates one of these aspects in the context of an authentic transnational family:
A young girl named Maria lives in the United States with her mother and father. Her parents are from Mexico, and they speak Spanish at home. Maria goes to school in the United States, where she learns English. She is fluent in both languages, but she sometimes feels like she doesn't belong in either place.
One day, Maria is playing with her friends at school. They are talking about their families, and Maria realizes that her friends don't understand what it's like to have parents who are from another country. They don't understand why Maria sometimes speaks Spanish at home. Maria feels like she doesn't have anyone to talk to about her experiences.
This is an example of how a child from a transnational family might experience cultural dissonance. Maria feels like she doesn't belong in either place. She feels like she has to choose between her two cultures. This can be a difficult and isolating experience.
My own personal and professional dispositions:
I believe that it is important to be respectful of all families, regardless of their immigration status. I also believe that it is important to be aware of the challenges that immigrant families may face. I am committed to providing support and resources to immigrant families so that they can thrive in their new communities.
I think my greatest joy when working with immigrant and/or transnational families will be seeing the children thrive. I want to help them feel like they belong and that they have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. I also think it will be rewarding to help the families build a sense of community and support.
I think my biggest challenge will be language barriers. I am not fluent in all languages, so I will need to find ways to communicate with families who speak languages other than English. I also think it will be challenging to navigate the different cultural norms and expectations of the families I work with.
Overall, I am excited to work with immigrant and/or transnational families. I believe that it is important to provide support and resources to these families so that they can thrive in their new communities.
Sample Answer
One specific idea, experience, and/or challenge presented by the practitioners in the media segment that I found to be particularly noteworthy, insightful, or helpful as it relates to working with families and children who are immigrants:
I found the comment by the first practitioner to be particularly insightful. She said that it is important to remember that immigrant families are often resilient and resourceful. They have made the difficult decision to leave their home country in search of a better life for themselves and their children. They are often willing to work hard and make sacrifices to achieve their goals. This is something that we should keep in mind when working with them.