Home and School Connections
Peter Philips
Learning Facilitator, and Senior Editor at Tuitioncenter | CV/Resume/Cover Letter Writer | Helping Students and Professionals Succeed
Home and School Connections
Part 1: Schoolwide Event Proposal
Embracing Multiculturalism: Strengthening Home-School Ties for ELL Families
Date: June 24th 2023
Time: 9:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Description:
"Embracing Multiculturalism" is a schoolwide event designed to strengthen the bonds between the Bailly Stem Academy and our ELL families. The event's purpose is to recognize and value each family's distinctive contributions while celebrating the cultural and linguistic variety within our school community.
Rationale of the Event:
Education professionals frequently encounter difficulties while imparting knowledge to students from different cultural backgrounds. The Embracing Multiculturalism event offers educators a priceless chance to design a flexible learning environment. This event involves parents and enhances students' eagerness to learn while fostering respect, harmony, and cultural understanding among the children.
Agenda:
?? Opening remarks by Principal Malline Morris
?? Introduction of staff members and community partners
?? ELL families are invited to share aspects of their cultural heritage through performances, music, traditional clothing, and artifacts.
?? Student-led presentations showcasing their home countries and cultures.
?? Small group workshops/sessions facilitated by ELL students and their families
?? Participants can learn basic greetings, phrases, and cultural differences from various languages
?? A vibrant food festival showcasing diverse cuisines prepared by ELL families
?? Attendees can sample and relish a wide array of homemade delicacies in a potluck-style setting
?? Recipe sharing and cultural background discussions
?? Student-led exhibitions/performances conveying traditional songs, dances, and music from diverse cultures
?? Parent and staff talent showcase
Equipment and Supplies:
?? Projector and smart boards for multimedia presentations
?? Microphones and speakers for the opening ceremony and performances
?? Tables, signage, and chairs for cultural exhibits
?? Art supplies for collaborative/interactive activities
?? Kitchen equipment for food preparation and storage for the traditional food festival
Part 2: Cultural Connections
"Embracing Multiculturalism" is a schoolwide event that aims to enhance the relationships between Bailly Stem Academy and its English Language Learner (ELL) families. This occasion of ethnic and linguistic diversity within our school community honors and supports the unique contributions made by each family. Consequently, this event acts as a catalyst for developing a strong community, family, and school partnerships by implementing deliberate techniques to promote family and community engagement, encouraging a welcoming school and classroom setting, embracing the role of household and community customs in language learning, and integrating with asset-based practices and desired outcomes.
Cultural influences, cultural competence, and social-emotional needs of ELLs in teaching and learning:
The event embraces and recognizes the school community's diversity of cultural influences. For example, ELL families are asked to share cultural heritage elements through the Cultural Showcase, such as performances, costumes, music, and antiques. Consequently, this platform allows ELL children to highlight their cultural identities, encouraging a sense of pride and belonging. For instance, students can gain cultural competency through interactive seminars led by ELL students and their families (Diaz-Rico, 2017), thus encouraging cultural learning and exchange. In this context, learners can better engage in multicultural contexts and meet their social and emotional needs by navigating varied environments with empathy and respect.
Intentional strategies for family and community engagement:
"Embracing Multiculturalism" promotes intentional community and family engagement mechanisms, emphasizing the benefits of home language, communication, family connection, and culture. Notably, ELL families are actively involved in the planning and execution of the event in numerous ways. For example, families can showcase their cultural history through the Cultural Showcase, highlighting the value of home language and culture in ELL children's educational journeys. Additionally, collaboration and support for the event are fostered through partnerships with neighborhood organizations that recognize and value other cultures. Through collaboration, an inclusive learning environment is created where the positive aspects of many cultures are respected and acknowledged.
Inclusive school and classroom environment:
For ELL children to succeed, inclusive classrooms and school environments that take into account language acquisition and other environmental aspects are essential (Diaz-Rico, 2017). For instance, by recognizing the contribution of family and community practices to student learning, "Embracing Multiculturalism" offers a platform for fostering such a setting. Notably, the event acknowledges that language learning goes beyond the four walls of the classroom and that community and family customs significantly impact language learning. The event also gives families a chance to support their children's language development by involving them in events like the cultural food fair and interactive seminars (Diaz-Rico, 2017). Additionally, educators are urged to use culturally sensitive methods so that ELL students will feel supported in their language-learning endeavors and appreciated as individuals.
The role of family and community practices in influencing language learning:
Language acquisition is significantly impacted by family and community customs outside of the classroom (Diaz-Rico, 2017). Families are actively encouraged to participate in "Embracing Multiculturalism" by offering venues like the cultural cuisine festival where they may exchange and discuss old family recipes. According to Breiseth (2011), as students have meaningful conversations with their families, reinforcing vocabulary, grammatical structures, and communication skills, these interactions boost language development. In this context, the event highlights the value of native language and culture as essential resources in language learning by recognizing and incorporating family and community activities.
Alignment to asset-based behaviors and expectations:
"Embracing Multiculturalism" exemplifies an asset-based approach by recognizing and celebrating ELL students and their families qualities and assets. Notably, the event encourages a change away from deficit-based thinking and toward appreciating the different experiences, rich cultural backgrounds, and distinctive talents ELL children offer to the school community. For example, the event emphasizes the significant contributions of ELL children and their families by promoting student accomplishments, encouraging parent and staff talent shows, and providing cultural exhibits (Breiseth, 2011; Diaz-Rico, 2017). Consequently, using an asset-based approach gives ELL children a sense of community and self-assurance, enabling them to embrace their cultural identities and showcase their strengths. In this context, it supports the idea that ELL students' views and viewpoints are appreciated and respected by giving them opportunities to participate actively in the design and execution of the event.
In conclusion, "Embracing Multiculturalism" is a potent tool for ELL families to build home-school links by embracing multiculturalism. With a focus on encouraging family and community engagement, an inclusive atmosphere, and the value of family and community activities in language acquisition, this event respects and values the cultural diversity within the school community. The event uses an asset-based approach to recognize the distinctive qualities and assets of ELL students and their families. It gives ELL students more agency while building a sense of community, cultural pride, and self-assurance. Additionally, it offers chances for significant encounters and cross-cultural exchange, fostering cultural competency and empathy in all pupils. Consequently, through "Embracing Multiculturalism," Bailly Stem Academy presents itself as an inclusive and culturally sensitive educational organization dedicated to fostering the achievement and well-being of its ELL students and their families. In this regard, by embracing multiculturalism, the school community thrives as a vibrant tapestry of various cultures, creating a positive learning environment for all.
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References
Breiseth, L. (2011). A Guide for Engaging ELL Families: Twenty strategies for school leaders. ???? Colorin Colorado. ?????? https://www.colorincolorado.org/sites/default/files/Engaging_ELL_Families_FINAL.pdf
Diaz-Rico, L. T. (2017). The crosscultural, language, and academic development handbook: A ???? complete K-12 reference guide (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.