STRENGTH BASED APPROACHResponding to Linguistic and Cultural Diversity

Paula MercadoEDUC-6161-7 Effective Programs & Practices

April 12, 2015Dr. Myers, Joyce

Recognize that all children are cognitively, linguistically, and emotionally connected to the language and culture of their home

Acknowledge that children can demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities in many ways. Understand that without comprehensible input, second-language learning can be difficult. Actively involve parents and families in the early learning program and setting. Encourage and assist all parents in becoming knowledgeable about the cognitive value for children of

knowing more than one language, and provide them with strategies to support, maintain, and preserve home-language learning.

Recognize that parents and families must rely on caregivers and educators to honor and support their children in the cultural values and norms of the home.

Provide early childhood educators with professional preparation and development in the areas of culture, language, and diversity.

Recruit and support early childhood educators who are trained in languages other than English. Recognize that children can and will acquire the use of English even when their home language is used and

respected.

Responding to Linguistic and Cultural Diversity

Strengths of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations

Factor #1: Culturally and linguistically diverse populations better equip early childhood educators and practitioners to assist children of different backgrounds, whether in home or school settings; develop effective methods that would help each child learn in the best way possible. Cultural awareness, or cultural sensitivity is a crucial factor in helping children and their families create a more purposeful life.

Strengths of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations

Factor #2: It provides world wide knowledge of various cultures without having to travel around the world, as they exist in front of you, if only you expose yourself to such a diverse population; communicate and serve them to the best of your abilities, through your education, and most of all, through your heart’s desire. A teacher must see his or her environment with positivity; work with faith, and hope, in order to make the most difference in children’s lives. If more teachers devoted themselves to teach in diverse populations, perhaps, the United States’ overall economic health may increase as they haul children and families out of poverty.

Strengths of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations

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Factor #3:

It decreases racism and prejudice. Effective early childhood educators can better promote prosocial behaviors and educate young children about the negative effects of any type of aggression and bullying.

Strengths of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations

Factor #4:

Early childhood educators and professionals under similar field, such as family social workers, sociologists, anthropologists, can advocate for more sociocultural longitudinal studies in order to improve the quality of higher education and bring about a change in governmental policies, specifically within the education system; developing new programs and curriculum.

Strengths of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations Factor #5:

Teachers could develop and improve their skills inn teaching English language learners.

Strengths of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations Factor #6:

Improve the code of ethics in regards to assessments/placements to better meet the needs of our diverse populations; eliminating bias.

Conclusion

All 6 factors I have discussed emphasize the strengths of multicultural and linguistic environment. To improve the quality of education for all young children, we, as educators and advocates must take into consideration, the importance of cultural awareness, and expose ourselves to the realities of children and families in poverty; including those with varying abilities, and those with difficulty overcoming language barriers. The implementation of these concepts could act as a catalyst to currently blight condition of American economy. If we are able to give every child a great education regardless of creed, culture, race, abilities, and color, our children would have a bright future as successful adults, and our country would continue to prosper.

Reference

Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice (2001) Retrieved from,http://cecp.air.org/interact/expertonline

/strength/empower/2.asp

Cherry, K. (2015) What is sociocultural theory? Retrieved from, http://

psychology.about.com/od/developmentecourse/f/sociocultural-theory.htm

Civil Rights (2015) Talking to our children about racism and diversity. Retrieved from, http

://www.civilrights.org/publications/reports/talking_to_our_children/

Education (2013) Culture and language. Retrieved from,

http://www.education.com/reference/article/culture-language/

National Association for the Education of Young Children (1995) Responding to linguistic and cultural diversity:

recommendations for effective early childhood education. Retrieved from,

http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSDIV98.PDF

Reference Cont’d

NAEYC (2005) Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved from,

http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

National Center for Law and Economic Justice (2013) Poverty in the United States: A

snapshot. Retrieved from, http://nclej.org/poverty-in-the-us.php

National Council of Teachers of English (2008) English language learners: A policy research

brief. Retrieved from,

http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/PolicyResearch/ELLResearchBrief.pdf