Do you have Somali children in your class?

[dixonl]

I live in Minneapolis where there is a high concentraton of Somali children in classes. I am preparing to teach and I would like some advise. I do have some knowledge of the students backround. Can anyone help me answer these questions (and any advice)?
1. Are there any certain customs when speaking with the family?
2. Who will I expect to commuicate with, mom or dad?
3. What is the role of the family in Somali culture?
4. What are the gender roles?
5. What should I expect from the children?
6. Do the children wear the head garments?
7. Do the children observe the fasting that takes place during Ramadan?

Any information will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[Unregistered]

I think it is great you are trying to accomodate their customs, but don't feel bad if you commit a faux pas. They are in the US now and they have to pony up to our customs.

[Unregistered]

I have many Somali students in my classroom. To try to answer your questions:
1. Are there any certain customs when speaking with the family?
No, they are like any other regular family. They care about their children's education and would help as much as they can. My best students are the Somalis. They never miss homework and always prepared.

2. Who will I expect to commuicate with, mom or dad?
Depending on their family's situation. In my situation I communicate with the moms since dads are away.

3. What is the role of the family in Somali culture?
Family, culture and religion is important to them.

5. What should I expect from the children?
Any thing that you expect from the other children. As I told you before, the Somali students are excellent in my class.

6. Do the children wear the head garments?
Depending on their age, they might wear the head scarf.

7. Do the children observe the fasting that takes place during Ramadan?
Also depending on their age they might be fasting. If they are not, their parents most probably are. It would be great to include Ramadan or any of their religious holidays so that they feel they are recognized like other kids. They normal kids like any other kids. Just treat them the same. Show them that you love them and care about them, just like you do to other kids.

I hope this helps. If you have more questions, let me know.

[Unregistered]

FYI- don't use the thumbs up gesture...for the Somalis it is obscene. That totally explains the student's response to me when I used it for a whole year in my classroom!

[Unregistered]

I think it is great you are trying to accomodate their customs, but don't feel bad if you commit a faux pas. They are in the US now and they have to pony up to our customs.

Good for you for doing what ALL teachers should do to create a positive learning environment for their students. As for "ponying up to our customs", unless you are a native american, your family was an immigrant too. We all share our cultures, that's what makes life a life long learning experience.

[Unregistered]

Somali kids are great they are punctual (usually) neat and tidy but like EVERYONE else there might be some who are a little behind but thats something that is present in all cutures! IM A TEACHER!