Creating a safe place for asylum seekers, refugees, and undocumented students
For the past 7 months I have been out of the classroom and working with asylum seekers near the California – Mexico border. While I was always aware that students enter our classrooms with their own stories and baggage, the depth of those stories has now taken on a new meaning to me. The following article shares some of those experiences and aims to provide some practical icebreaker games that take into consideration the difficulties faced by so many kids that we can never truly understand.
Leaving the classroom to work in a shelter
In December I took some time away from the classroom. I had been spending my nights and weekends volunteering with asylum seekers, fleeing their countries out of fear and desperation. That work felt significantly more meaningful to me, and so when a job opportunity presented itself, I took it. I traded in the eye rolls of teenagers for the grateful hugs and cuddles of complete strangers passing through. I have had the extreme fortune to meet families from all over the world, requesting asylum in our country. It has been an unbelievable experience, full of gratitude and immediate results, something that can be hard to find in the classroom. I feel so lucky to have been at the right place at the right time to experience it.
People often remark that my job must be so challenging, constantly surrounded by trauma. However, the truth is that every day I get to see the determination and resiliency of humanity, which has been more inspiring and heartwarming than anything else. While our residents have suffered tremendous loss and uncertainty, they continue to persevere. Children play and laugh and dream. They squeal with delight watching bubbles float through the air, and light up with joy over toy cars and legos. They hold their parents close and fight with their siblings. They are kids, and no matter where they came from, their hopes and dreams are the same.
The stories your students will not share
I point this out because I can’t help but look at these children through my teacher’s lens. I worry about what will become of them when they enter our school systems. I doubt they will share the stories of their perilous journeys with their teachers. They probably won’t speak of the underlying fear that they are here on borrowed time, waiting for an arbitrary decision from a judge about the status of their asylum case. I see the love they have for their families and the pure determination to succeed. And I also know the obstacles that lie ahead for a 13 year-old who has only completed third grade in a country where the school day ended at noon, and he could only attend if he paid his fees on time.
What will happen to these curious, warm, compassionate and determined children when they are shoved into a 7th grade classroom with a 3rd grade education and no English? Will they sink or swim? Will they make friends or fall in with the wrong crowd? Although I am not yet a parent myself, I’m sure these are the fears of any parent. No one wants school or the influence of other children to corrupt the sweet, lovable innocence of their child. But what can we do as teachers to accept these newcomers into our space in a safe way?
How to welcome the newcomers
For starters, maybe we get rid of the various “my summer vacation” ice breakers. Instead, let’s open with something that shows our underlying humanity and connectedness. Click here for some culturally sensitive ice-breakers.
The trick here is walking the fine line between treating everyone the same and also recognizing that they are not. Your newcomers are going to need more support, even if they are afraid to ask for it. Consider offering some free tutorial hours to the entire class that have nothing to do with your subject.
Announcement: “Today at lunch I’m going to help students organize their Google Drive.”
Reality: Make sure your newcomers know how to log-in and use what they need for all their classes.
Announcement: “Tomorrow morning I’ll bring in breakfast for anyone who wants to come and help me organize the room.”
Reality: Teach your newcomers how and where to get food if they need it.
The key here is to open it up to everyone so that no one is embarrassed. You may be shocked by which students show up. Most of your newcomer students won’t know that they can and should ask for help. Casually and privately invite them to these sessions.
I share this all with you, random internet followers, just as a tiny reminder in the back of your head that children come with stories. We all know this, but my new job has brought the depth of those stories to the forefront for me. So please take care of the kiddos. They have so much more going on than we know.
