[etni] Ethiopian students
- From: Nava Matsui <navalush@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:08:58 +0200
Best preparation: recognize the excellent characteristics that the Ethiopian
immigrants have. There is a softness, a genuine respect for elders, a deep
valuing of the holiness of the Land... all of these aspects of Ethiopian
mentality are an invaluable contribution to our society today. After you
feel genuine respect, it is important to understand that children
(especially teenagers) are usually anxious to trade whatever identity they
may have for the prevalent cultural identity in which they find themselves.
It is of utmost importance to respect from where they are coming, and at the
same time, be cognizant of the burning desire to be just like everyone else;
in short, to be "in". With casual remarks, one can both express respect and
acknowledge the new identity (obviously, tuning in to the needs of
individual students.)
For some children, English is a third language. For many, even children who
were born here in Israel, there are still many words in Hebrew and concepts
in daily life which are at best strange, if not incomprehensible. Being
attuned to the challenges that a child has to meet - being catapulted into a
society different from the one his family (and sometimes, he himself) is not
used to or not familiar with, - is "chetsi nechama". Building trust in a
positive and respectful relationship is really the first step in creating an
atmosphere which is conducive to learning.
For some children, if you know a few words in Amharic, it warms their hearts
and forms a bond. Some don't want to be reminded that they are not the
regular street variety of Israeli, and they can feel uncomfortable, and even
deny that they know a word in their parents' mother tongue.
Try to give them many successes in their studies. Before a quiz, give
examples of what will be on the quiz and how to answer. Go over the sample
questions until everyone is confident. Tasting success is a great stimulus
to learning.
Be aware that there can be many concepts which are unfamiliar - such as
reference to an igloo when teaching the letter "i". Ignorance of something
which seems to be common knowledge is devastatingly embarrassing for any
teenager: don't let it happen in class!
Let me know the age of your pupils, how long they have been in Israel, and
their background in English. Happy to help. May you have much success.
Sonya
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