Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Understanding
Latino Children and
Families
Latino is the fastest
growing population
in Oklahoma
Hispanic or Latino ?
Latino or Mexican ?
Culture is everything that makes a person.
It affects how you seeYOURSELF and OTHERS
Culture
Beliefs
Attitudes
DecisionsFood
Language
Learn style
Family Dynamic
Child Bearing
Some reasons for Immigration are…
-Poverty-War-Family pressure-Work
Cultural Shock…
-Family Dynamic-Language-Sense of Community-Food-Sense of Belonging
What kinds of barriers or challenges do you have with Latino Immigrant Children and Families?
Possible characteristics of Immigrant Latino children and families….
-Stress-Depression-Timidity-Isolation-Irritability-Anxiety-Flexibility-Adaptability
What can you do to help children and families feel welcome and accepted?
Show respect: - Incorporate the child’s culture - Allow the use of Spanish - Contribute to their
• self-esteem • learning process• tolerance of others
differences
Show love and acceptance: - Be affectionate - Allow them to attach to at least
one special person - Give compliments
Do not assume. - Always evaluate children’s behavior through their own culture - Evaluate your own biases
Ask questions: - Ask about cultural preferences - Ask parents how they do certain
things at home - Clarify values
Learn basic Spanish: - The family and child will feel you are trying to connect with them - Show interest in learning
Have some Latino staff: - Creates trust - Opens communication
Translate materials/resources: - Culturally sensitive manner - Families will get more involved
Add cultural elements to your setting:- Latino food in their menu- Magazines from different cultures- Hats of different cultures- Multi-ethnic dolls/puppets- Latino pretend food- Bilingual puzzles- Books (bilingual, no stereotypes)- Posters/visual materials with Latino children- Spanish music/songs and rhymes- Musical instruments (maracas, drums, guitars)
The early childhood classroom constantly provides messages about WHAT the program values, and WHO is valued, from what hangs on the walls.
“Everyday is MULTICULTURAL
education day”
Remember…
Every child, regardless of sex or race, needs to be loved, accepted and respected.
Helping a child learn to socialize is essential.
Helping a child learn to write is essential.
Helping a child learn to read is essential.
But helping a child learn about one’s own culture is the first step in helping a child learn who he or she can become…
Keila Garcia,Hispanic Services Coordinator
(405) 942-4179 / 1-800-962-2772
Oklahoma Child CareResource and Referral
Association
