Maya

Individuality

Finding out Maya's interest

Creating activities based on Maya's developmental needs

Allowing an open routine for Maya to see what makes her feel comfortable

Asking Maya's family for ideas on things Maya is interested in

Observing Maya in the classroom throughout her first days to see where she excels and needs to be challenged as well as encouraged

Context

Finding out about Maya's culture so that I can plan activities within the context of her culture

Including her family in planning through constant communication to get an idea of culturally based activities for Maya

Finding and including classroom materials that reflect Maya's culture..ex: books, pictures

Exploring ways to enlist real life representation in the classroom such as community volunteers of similar background as Maya to read books or help with activities

If Maya has a secondary language, finding ways to use it in the classroom such as through music

Commonality

Implement culturally aware play based activities

Find understanding behind the meaning of her play which can be culturally based

Familiarize myself with culturally aware best practices

Find professional development opportunities to better my goals of inclusion

Involve Maya's family in my observations so they can offer insight to her play