Welcoming Families from Around the World

For approximately six months, I have been corresponding with a family from Denmark.  Approximately one week ago, it was confirmed that this family will be moving to Florida in approximately one month.  I am thrilled that Abbelone, their four-year-old daughter, will be attending our preschool.  Abbleone speaks Danish, and she learned a bit of Spanish and English in her current preschool.  Her parents speak Danish, Spanish, and English fluently.  I know that I can count on them to help Abbleone learn English and share Danish with her new class.

Here are a few ways that I will assure that Abbleone feels comfortable in her new school environment:
·        Excitedly, I shared information about Abbleone with Miss Alyssa and her prekindergarten class.  We located Denmark on a map, and together, we looked at pictures of Denmark on the computer.  As a class, we decided to send a letter to Abbleone in Denmark, welcoming her to our class.  Each child drew a picture of something special in our classroom. I asked them to share with Abbleone what they drew; I wrote their thoughts on the back of their picture. I believe their pictures will help Abbleone get adjusted to our class.  In addition, we sent Abbleone pictures of the children in our class; her mother sent us a picture of Abbleone on the computer!
·        The students have decided to make welcome pictures for Abbleone, so when she walks in, she will be surprised and welcomed.  I have added her name to a new cubbie and throughout the room.
·        I have invited my staff in to my office to discuss Abbleone’s arrival.  While my staff was a bit resistant, I assured them that all of the children in our school will benefit from Abbleone’s enrollment.  We will work together to teach Abbleone about Florida, and we will learn from Abbleone, and her family, and Denmark.  In addition, I shared some common Danish phrases with my staff; Abbleone’s new teacher suggested sharing these phrases with her students, which was a wonderful idea.
·        Since we looked at pictures of Denmark, and I knew the exact region where Abbleone came from, we added some of the pictures to her new classroom. 
·        I have discussed concerns that Abbleone’s parents may have.  Her mother is concerned that Abbleone may feel uncomfortable during lunch and snack time.  Although she wanted to come in during these times, we felt it was best that we work with Abbleone.  Her mother explained that Abbleone will not start eating until being told to, and she needs to be told specifically where to sit.  We agreed to work with Abbleone to make certain that she is comfortable eating.
·        Abbleone is used to shaking hands with her teacher on arrival and dismissal.  This will work fine in our school, because we have a 3-H rule.  Children can give their teacher a handshake, a high-five, or a hug.  Abbleone will be comfortable with a handshake!
·        I have asked Abbleone’s mother if she could share a few of Abbleone’s toys from Denmark with her new friends.  Her mother said that she would bring some toys, in addition to some books.  I was thrilled!

With the help of Abbleone’s mother, I believe that these preparations will help Abbleone feel comfortable in a new environment.  We have tried hard to bring a part of her Danish heritage into our classroom.  In addition, our research has made us knowledgeable of Denmark, which was an unknown entity to our young students and their teachers.  We are excited for Abbleone’s arrival, and hopefully, she can feel our comfort.

For us, sending Abbleone cards was very special.  The children drew pictures of areas in their classroom, explaining what they do in that area.  We hope that Abbleone’s parents will translate our cards.  The words of her new friends will give her an insight into her new classroom and some of the activities that fill our days.  The children will be very real to Abbleone, since she can see their pictures.

Without a doubt, if Abbleone and her parents feel comfortable with our school, the transition will be easier.  We have already opened up communication between her family and our school family; through our correspondence and preparation, Abbleone is already a part of us!