1. Including the Mexican Culture Created by: Petress Scott EDU639: Human Relations. & Learning in the Multi. Envmnt (MRE1426C) Prof. Bearden

2. Cultural Overview Behavior A good sense of respect is expected of Mexican children. This means no acting out in public, not interrupting adults, not bothering adults, complying with an adult’s request. To show respect to a teacher, a student may not act silly, may not call out, or may not ask a question if they feel like they would be bothering their teacher. They may quietly approach a teacher and wait until acknowledged to ask a question, or wait to provide a response until called on by the teacher.

3. Cultural Overview Cont. Family Values There are clearly-defined roles for mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters in Mexican families. The mother was the heart of the family, the one who cooked, cleaned and cared for the children on a full-time basis. Fathers generally took charge of family decisions, and their authority was rarely challenged by either the mother or children. “The culture of Mexican families has a strong foundation in unity. Mexico's divorce rate is one of the lowest in the world and generations of families typically live in the same neighborhood or in the same house, which reflects the dedication to supporting family members and displaying loyalty no matter what happens (2006).”

4. Cultural Overview Cont. Academic Students are not taught to boast about their acquired knowledge and they are not rewarded for what they know. In Mexican households, children are usually taught through hands-on activities instead of using explanations or notes. They receive feedback immediately after the task is complete and they are not familiar with evaluations that are performed in American schools.

5. Cultural Overview Cont. Traditions The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) is a Catholic celebration observing the appearance of the Virgin Mary to an Indian man in the first years of Spanish rule celebrated on December 12. December 12 which is also known as Poinsettia Day also commemorates the poinsettia — the most popular holiday plant, which is indigenous to Mexico and Central America. Traditional posadas, a word meaning lodges or inns in Spanish, are held over nine days by communities each year from December 16 through December 24. Another holiday custom from Mexico is the practice of creating pathways of light known as las luminarias, or los farolitos in the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Cinco De Mayo, spanish for 5 th of May, celebrates the Mexican’s unlikely victory over the french at the Battle of Puebla. (May 5, 1862.) Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is November 2 nd which celebrates friends and family who have died. Quinceanera is a coming of age ceremony held on a girl’s 15 th birthday.

6. Cultural Overview Cont. Gender Roles Brothers were expected to defend the honor of their sisters, both verbally and physically. Sisters were relied upon to emerge in the image of their mothers, learning how to cook, nurture children and cater to the needs of the men in the family. Both brothers and sisters usually lived in the family home until marriage.

7. History of Mexicans and American Education Due to the understanding of Mexican families that education is solely the responsibility of the teachers, families wouldn’t understand the request for school supplies or the presence of families at open house or annual conferences. They also wouldn’t understand that homework should be due nightly and completed before free play.

8. Teaching Techniques Be warm and caring and build a relationship with your students that allows them to open up to you and the subject. Make an attempt to get to know the student and learn about their family. Include elements in the curriculum that are familiar to your student and relevant to his or her experiences. Visit the student’s home once or twice during the school year to speak with his or her parents and gain a better understanding of his or her culture and surroundings. Serve your students comfort food! Make a snack from your student’s country of origin and serve it to the class. Assign small group work in class to create a less intimidating environment for a new Latino student. Do not ask students to display their knowledge in front of the class. Allow them to be bicultural! Treat their language and ethnicity as assets rather than hurdles to overcome. Incorporate the Spanish language into the curriculum in creative ways.

9. Educational Impacts on Language Spanish is the official language of Mexico; however, as many as 100 Native American languages, such as Nahuatl, Maya, Mixteco, and Zapoteco, are still spoken by nearly 8% of the population (Gordon, 2005). Because of public education programs, the literacy rate in Mexico has improved over the past 35 years. Among Mexicans aged 15 years and older, the literacy rate rose from 74% in 1970 to 89% in 2004 (U.S. Department of State, 2004).

10. Educational Impacts on Culture Many Mexican patients may not speak English fluently and may prefer interactions and materials in Spanish. Ensure that adequate bilingual staff and Spanish- language materials are available. Because family is very important to Mexicans, it may be helpful to speak with both the students and family members. However, to protect confidentiality, seek a parent’s permission first. Do not assume that nonverbal cues, such as nodding “yes,” mean that a student is agreeing to participate in a classroom activity.

11. Prejudice Americans label many Mexicans as “illegal aliens.” Their language barriers are used against them which limits their ability to find work. Language also causes students to have limitations on learning new subjects. Due to their lack of funds, they are limited to insurance and other necessities needed to survive.

12. Multicultural Educational Practices Teachers may modify or incorporate lessons to reflect the cultural diversity of the students in a particular class. Lessons that reflect the cultures present within the classroom can be beneficial to all students. Learning about students’ learning styles can be helpful in assessments and evaluations. Texts and learning materials should include multiple cultural perspectives and references.

13. Parent and Community Involvement Clearly communicate to parents in a language they understand that the school values and wants their ideas, participation and leadership. Involve the entire staff in creating an environment that makes parents feel welcome and respected. Personal contacts are extremely effective. If parents don’t come to you, go to them. Don’t be afraid to share power with parents.

14. References 2014.http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/guide stoolkits/ethnographicguides/Mexico/chapters/c hapter2.pdf. 2014.www.coloradotrust.org/attachments/0000 /3074/CSPCTeachers.pdf 2006. family.lovetoknow.com ›... › Family › Cultural Heritage and Symbols