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  • Our Work
    • Cambridge OST Coalition
    • OST Learning Institute
    • Elementary School OST Network
    • Middle School Network
    • Quality Improvement System
  • News & Events
    • OST Learning Institute
    • ESON Updates
    • MSN Updates
    • Newsletter Archive
    • Events Calendar
  • Stories of Family Partnership
    • The Importance of Meaningful Connections
    • Talking with Kids About Race
    • Committing to Racial Equity
    • Common Ground
    • Parent Voices
    • Showing Them that They Matter
    • Showing us What they Know
    • Empathizing with Parents
    • Building Dialogue
    • Creating a Welcoming Culture
    • Celebrating Families
  • Resources
    • Publications
    • Blog
    • How to Write a Blog Post for AFCOST
    • Professional Development Reports
    • 5 Key Elements for Successful Virtual OST Programming
    • Find It Cambridge
    • Cambridge STEAM Initiative
  • About Us
    • Mission and Beliefs
    • Our Ways of Being
    • History
    • Organizational Structure
    • Who we are
    • Contact
    • Work with us

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Finding Common Ground Across Cultures


In this story, Nelhai, a teacher in the King Open Extended Day program, shares an account of her journey working to build bridges of cultural understanding with the families of the children in her program. Reflecting on your own biases and assumptions is a key first step in this process, she explains. Through Nelhai's story we learn that putting in the time and effort to find common ground with families can improve relationships with them and, ultimately, improve outcomes for children.
​
To support you in using these resources with your staff, download our UPDATED Facilitator's Guide here!

Guiding Questions

  • How can we ask parents about their experiences and expectations for their children and for us? How can we learn about their hopes and dreams for their children?
  • How can we work with children and families to create a shared common culture in our classrooms based on equity, inclusiveness and justice?
  • How can we find common ground with families and explore our common values? What do we do when our values and families' values don't align?

Our Takeaway

  • Remember who the children's first teachers are. Learn about where the children and families are coming from.
    Find common ground and build community together. ​

Cambridge Agenda for Children out-of-school time

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