Mhari Goldstein

One of the first things my RLP brought up when I told her what my goals were concerns
about power dynamic and cultural traditions within the family. She pointed out that she worked
with many families where culture dictated roles and responsibilities in the family, which might not
be flexible to the youth in an instructional role. I would need to be sensitive to family context and
ensure that I offered a program that balanced English language acquisition for the parents with
academic native language development for the youth. I agreed readily with her as this is
something that has concerned me for a number of years. I loathe the idea of someone seeing
me as just another privileged individual trying to subvert their culture. I want this program to
promote both the native culture, providing space for learning about traditions and customs, while
giving adults a safe place to build confidence about participating in non-native cultures.

Some ideas:

Have parent share oral or written cultural folk tale. Have youth write the story

both in the native language and in English. The student and parent can then use this
story as an opportunity for the parents reading fluency. Further lessons or opportunity
for differentiated instruction include having the child share an American folk tale with
their parent, having the parent write it in English as well as translate it back to the native
language.
If the youth is into popular music have them share the song with their parent,
listening and singing along to the song while reading the lyrics. This gives the adult an
opportunity to practice fluency, and pronunciation while also offering an opportunity to
connect to their childs interests. Have the parent share a song in the native language
that they enjoy, reading along with the lyrics, and giving the youth an opportunity to
connect to their parents musical history. Try translating the lyrics into the opposite
language and singing them along to the music!

Compare and contrast: Have the youth and the parent come up with customs

from their native culture and customs theyve noticed or observed in American culture
(have the LP and youth discuss this ahead of time so that youth has some examples
ready). Find customs and norms that are similar in both cultures.
National holidays: Parents share examples of holidays they grew up with and
what the traditions were (personal example:Burns Supper) while children explain
American National Holidays (discussed and researched previously with LP) and what
those traditions mean. Discuss similarities and differences. If possible cook food
associated with the holidays.