Capital: Moscow
Population: 143,782,338 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Russian 81.5%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 3%, Chuvash 1.2%, Bashkir 0.9%, Belarusian
0.8%, Moldavian 0.7%, other 8.1% (1989)
0.8%, Moldavian 0.7%, other 8.1% (1989)
Religions: Russian Orthodox, Muslim,
Government: federation
In Russia, it is thought that over 81% speak the official language of Russian as their first and only language. Most speakers of a minority language are also bilingual speakers of Russian. There are over 100 minority languages spoken in Russia today, the most popular of which is Tartar, Spoken by more than 3% of the country's population. Other minority languages include Ukranian, Chuvash, Bashir, Mordvin, and Chechen. Although few of these populations make up even 1% of the Russian population, these languages are prominent in key regional areas.
B. Ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family?
1. Knowing that there is more than one language in Russia will help me to know from which area of Russia this family is? It will also help me to know what is their religion, and the language that speak.
2. I will prepare my current students to welcome the new student and the family; having a virtual tour of the country; the flag, the map, the languages, the climate.
3. I will post a welcome sign in the family‘s language in the classroom.
4. I will learn key words and phrases like greetings terms of comfort and encouragement in the child’s home language.
5. I will see if there is any teacher in the school that speaks Russian to help with translation of the program’s handbook, forms, and newsletters. Also I will try to connect the family with other families from Russia if any. This will help develop trust, and to show the family that we care about their child's individual needs.
6. I will include books in the library area in the child’s primary language, and I will also include books about Russia. I will ask the family to share with me a music tape from Russia.
7. Read about acceptable practices in the family’s home that will tie in with school’s culture; traditions, language, culture and practices.
A. brief description in ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family
These preparations will benefit me, because the more I know and learn about other cultures, the less judgmental I am. It also helps me to individualize the curriculum and make the child and the gamily feel welcome.These preparations benefit the family feel, respected, valued and welcomed. It benefits the children by making them feel safe. It also helps them to find home to school cultural continuity which supports their positive feelings about their home culture and themselves.
Resources:http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/russia-country-profile.html
Bonthaina:
ReplyDeleteRussia, very interesting! I certainly agree that respect is in the first place. I know that even we can show respect with actions we don't need to talk to let if feel. Nice posting!
Bouthania,
ReplyDeleteYou list some wonderful actions to take as you are preparing for an international family. I think it is important to have documents translated, as you referenced. The transition to another country is overwhelming enough, having materials avaiable in my home language would go a long way to helping me to feel comfortable and valued.
Thank you,
Teri
I had a little preschooler who was from Russia a couple of year ago. Her brother and her were adopted and started school almost imeediately. She came 5 days per week, all day long. SHe was from an orhpanage and very social (surprisingly). Actually it might have been that she was hyper. It was amazing how fast she learned english. We were fortunate to have an exchange student in our district from her part of Russia to come and visit with her in the classroom. About 3 months after she started her adopted parents gave me a cd with a lot of Russian songs that she recognized. Her face was lit up and was so happy to dance to her songs. The chicken dance was ont here so we could all do the dance with her. She has moved on to first grade but we still listen to her music every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about the power of music and including it. It definetly makes children happy and comforted to hear music in their own language.
Great post. Thanks Tracy
I love your ideas about books and music that may represent the culture of the new child in your program. It would be important however, to not use stereotypical information and media. Your preparations include involving the current children/families in this gaining of knowledge to make the new family feel comfortable- great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
I teach in a very diverse district and there are many different languages spoken and understood. One tool I've used to help communicate with families when I can't find a staff member that can translate is the internet. There are dozens of free translation sites online that I have used to help with communication difficulties. Related to your example of welcoming the family with a banner and looking for a teacher who can help with translation, if you don't have any coworkers who speak Russian, the internet could help you.
ReplyDeleteSome sites that could help are: http://www.freetranslation.com/
http://translation2.paralink.com/
http://www.free-translator.com/
Caitlyn
Bouthania,
ReplyDeleteGreat post and preparations for your family from Russia. I love that you will place books in the library for the family, I never would have thought of that. I am very interested to know morw about a Russian family:-)!!!