Answer to Question 1
A culturally competent teacher whohas developed a relationship with a child is more effective in preventing problems and protecting the well- eing of the child. The many cultures, races, and other diverse conditions of people in this country are causing rapid change, and this diversity should be understood instead of ignored. The teacher who learns to celebrate the differences and understand the similarities will be more effective in offering the children in care an optimal environment for mental health and well-being.
Answer to Question 2
Designing supportive environments includes both the room arrangement and other factorssuch as schedules, routines, and rules. The physical environment should be set up so thatthe children can be visually supervised, it should have a cozy or quiet area, and it should provide for appropriate noise level and lighting. Toys and materials should be arranged in an inviting manner and should be organized so children do not tend to fight over toys or equipment. Schedules should be predictable and there should be some structure to the daily routines. Transitions should be kept to a minimum because they are busy times and it is more difficult to watch all the children. Transitions are a time when challenging behaviors are likely to appear.Rules should be stated positively and should be clear and age appropriate in their expectations of what children are capable of. Building positive relationships with both the children and their families is a key to providing for a mentally healthy environment.
The Environment Influences Gene Expression
Illusionary picture of teacher’s head exploding
Cultural values Exercise
Draw and label a diagram and explain how a factor-dependent transcription (rho-dependent) terminator
Cultural Coherence and Diversity
Fishing for a Healthy Baby