CR001 Culturally Responsive Practices

This file is based on a report from a Parent-Teacher Conference provided by Donna Tuttle, administrator of Abidah’s preschool.

Tuesday, October 1st

Abidah lives in a household with her mother, father, paternal grandmother, and her three older brothers. Her three siblings are in school and have varying levels of English proficiency, depending on how long they were in school in Egypt. The family legally emigrated from Egypt to the United States after the violent uprisings that occurred in Egypt during 2012 and 2013. During that year, Abidah was not in any sort of educational program.

In Egypt, her father worked as an engineer, and her mother was a college professor of literature. Both parents are well educated and speak some English, but both feel more comfortable conversing with their children in Arabic. Abidah’s grandmother has always lived in Abidah’s household and is the main caregiver for all four of the family’s children. In Egypt, there were also aunts, uncles, and cousins who were very involved in the family’s daily life. Abidah was very close with a few of her other female cousins and appears to mourn the loss of having them in her day-to-day life.

Abidah’s parents have stated that all of their children were read to frequently at home in Egypt, and that the older children helped the younger children with their school work. When they came to America, they were forced to leave most of their possessions behind, including all of Abidah’s toys and books. They are currently trying to build up a new library for her, in both Arabic and English, but are having trouble finding age-appropriate literature in Arabic.

Additionally, the comfort level and quality of life of the family has decreased somewhat since they left Egypt—both parents were professionals with good salaries, and the household was big enough that each child had his or her own room. Now Abidah must share a room with her youngest brother, which is quite a change for her. Both parents are working part-time and trying to secure better paying jobs, but it is difficult because of language barriers and issues with their visas.

Abidah’s parents have expressed that they believe strongly in the value of the American education system and would like to enroll her in school next year. They have also stated that they would like Abidah to be bilingual, and that, if it is recommended, they will attempt to speak more English in the house. This is problematic, however, as Abidah’s grandmother, and primary caregiver, speaks no English. They have also stated that they trust the early childhood care center to know the best practices for helping Adibah prepare to enter school next year.

In Egypt, Abidah enjoyed watching children’s television shows, singing, playing games with her young cousins, and being read to at night before bed. Somewhat surprisingly, she is described as a very independent child with a bold and courageous attitude.