Memo to Staff

RE: New Family from Spain

I have just learned that a new family will soon join our program. The Zapatero family comes to us from Spain and we will soon have the pleasure and responsibility of working with their three year old daughter, Pilar.  Please familiarize yourself with a few of the cultural expectations below in order to better serve this family and create as smooth of a transition as possible for Pilar. Do not hesitate to discuss any additionally helpful information with me and, as always, as we embrace this family we will, no doubt, learn a great deal more about their expectations and how they can participate in our program.

 Ms. R

Spaniards are generally much more relaxed and may have less need for the personal space typical of Americans; physical contact during conversation is not unusual. Even a handshake may include a second hand upon the forearm or shoulder; a hug or cheek kisses are characteristic of a more established relationship (don Quijote S.L., 2012). Don’t be surprised if Pilar greets you or her friends with a kiss once she becomes comfortable in your classroom.

Spain is traditionally a patriarchal society, yet its culture is changing (Kwintessential  Ltd., n.d.). Please be aware of your interactions and take cues from the family as to the hierarchy for decision making, communication and discipline concerns. So far in my interactions with this family, the leadership responsibility seems to be equitable between both parents.

Not unlike other families we serve, trust is an essential component to conducting business. Face to face contact is the preferred form of communication, and should be non-confrontational (Kwintessential  Ltd., n.d.).That is not to say that written communications should be avoided, but this should be accompanied by an in-person conversation whenever possible.

Details are essential, generalized information may require further explanations (Kwintessential  Ltd., n.d.). Spaniards are very thorough and want to ensure that all of the bases are covered. Additionally, once an agreement has been made, both parties are bound to fulfill their end of the bargain. Expectations should be clearly stated and followed through by all parties: teachers, child, parents, and friends.

On a similar note, many Spaniards (again, not unlike others we serve) may be hesitant to express their confusion so careful attention must be given to body language, especially if the conversation is in English (Kwintessential  Ltd., n.d.). Miguel and Mari speak fairly fluent English, but this will be Pilar’s first consistent exposure. Look for signs that she may not understand what the expected behaviors are or for signs that she may be becoming frustrated. With consistent support, she will gain confidence and progress quickly.

Many other cultural aspects are somewhat familiar to us, since Spain’s cultures and traditions have been greatly influenced by Europeans (don Quijote S.L., 2012).  A great deal of the children’s literature has also been a result of European influence, including tales from the Brothers Grimm.  I have discovered one particular book that I think would be interesting to read with the children in a number of ways, Isabel Saves the Prince: Based on a True Story of Isabel I of Spain. Not only would it shed a bit of light on some Spanish history, but includes some common Spanish words, historical dress and beautiful illustrations, all of which can be expanded through numerous avenues in the classroom. (Holub, 2007)

 

don Quijote S. L. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.donquijote.org

Holub, J. (2007). Isabel saves the prince: Based on a true story of Isabel I of Spain (Ready-to-read young princesses around the world. New York. Aladdin.

Kwintessential  Ltd. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/spain-country-profile.html