Module 3 Discussion: Moving Students Into a New Culture

Thinking about a time I experienced culture shock, probably the best one was when I went to Japan.  

• Describe your experience, and how you felt.  I had been to other countries before but this was the first time I had ever visited a country that did not have the same alphabet!  Not only was it difficult to ask a question, it was impossible to read the signs because the characters were so different.  I felt absolutely lost.  In the past, I could find my way around a country, using a map, using Google maps, asking questions.  All of those "crutches" were non-existent.  
• Describe how you were able to orient yourself to the new culture. I was able to orient myself by really studying the map, actually drawing the path that I followed and applying logic to a situation.  For instance, when I came to the train station and approached a ticket machine, I had to think about the sequence I would follow if all of the words were in English.  I used trial and error to figure it out.  I also sought out the help of people with uniforms.  Even if they didn't speak English, they would find someone to help me.  
• What are/were the implications for your own classrooms?  There are a number of implications for my first grade classroom.  First, I need to be sure that the signage in my classroom includes the languages of my ELL students.  Things like "door", "desk", "table", "chair" need to be clearly marked.  I need to be able to demonstrate procedures to students by using my hands and entire body.  I need to have the ELL student connect with a helpful student in the classroom to help them navigate things in the beginning.  I need to SMILE.