Important: The Iceberg Concept of Culture

     When we think of culture, many things are likely to come to mind. These thoughts will not be the same for everyone and will vary depending on a persons experiences and background knowledge. Culture plays a huge role in making new students feel comfortable and school itself is its own culture that newcomer students will have to learn to navigate. A common theme that I've come across throughout my readings and community engagement experiences is that culture is so important to making students feel comfortable within the classroom. Sharing their culture can give the students  a feeling that they are understood and that they belong. The "Iceberg Concept of Culture" came to me through a cultural bridging presentation from the Saskatoon Open Door Society and I feel that it is an important concept that can help teachers better understand their newcomer students and families.

"Just Imagine..." - An Introduction

Just imagine, you come to a country... you don't speak the language very well, if at all... you don't understand the customs... what is this white stuff that we always have on the ground?! There will be many overwhelming parts about coming to a new place. School can be a big cause of anxiety with the children of these new families because they may come from a place where school is entirely different or their previous schooling is non-existant. It is our job, as teachers, to help aid in the transition to a new country as well as make them feel comfortable within a classroom full of other students.

As part of my final semester of study for my Bachelor of Education degree I have chosen to do my inquiry project on creating safe spaces for new immigrant and refugee families who are coming into our school systems.