A HANDBOOK FOR AMERICAN TEACHERS OF RECENT
CHINESE IMMIGRANT PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
Puiching Lam
B.A., California State University, Sacramento, 2004
PROJECT
Submitted in partial satisfaction of
the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF ARTS
in
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(Theory and Research)
at
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
FALL
2010
A HANDBOOK FOR AMERICAN TEACHERS OF RECENT
CHINESE IMMIGRANTS PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
A Project
by
Puiching Lam
Approved by:
____________________________________, Committee Chair
Christi Cervantes, Ph.D.
____________________________________ , Second Reader
Li-Ling Sun, Ph.D.
__________________________
Date
ii
Student: Puiching Lam
I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University
format manual, and that this Project is suitable for shelving in the Library and credits to
be awarded for the Project.
____________________________, Graduate Coordinator
Sheri Hembree, Ph.D.
Department of Child Development
iii
__________________
Date
Abstract
of
A HANDBOOK FOR AMERICAN TEACHERS OF RECENT
CHINESE IMMIGRANTS PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
by
Puiching Lam
Statement of the Problem
The United States is inhabited by diverse groups of people, including immigrants
from around the world. Recent census data have shown that there are a growing number
of Chinese immigrants in the United States, especially California, resulting in a growing
number of Chinese preschoolers in the US. Therefore, American teachers are facing
greater cultural diversity in the classroom. Since Chinese and American cultures
emphasize different childrearing beliefs and practices, the challenges American preschool
teachers face go beyond language differences. Therefore, there is a need to develop an
informational handbook for American preschool teachers to aid their understanding of
Chinese immigrant families with children in their care.
Sources of Data
Information for this project was gathered through a review of the literature from
library online databases of Sacramento State University, a review of the book “Bridging
Cultures between Home and School” by Trumbull et al. (2001), and different websites
found using search engines such as Yahoo and Google. The author also informally spoke
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to her former co-workers at a local preschool and her Chinese immigrant friends in order
to understand more about misunderstandings and conflicts between American preschool
teachers and Chinese immigrant parents.
Conclusion Reached
American preschool teachers working in a culturally diverse classroom can better
help Chinese immigrant students to adjust to new learning environment by becoming
more culturally sensitive. Teachers working effectively with Chinese immigrant families,
especially developing constructive communication with Chinese parents, can also help to
enhance newcomer Chinese children’s learning and development. The handbook
developed for this project contained information on Chinese traditional childrearing
beliefs and practices and classroom strategies that may help American preschool teachers
working with Chinese families become more prepared and understanding when there are
conflicts and disagreements with Chinese immigrant parents. Since the United States is
made up of a diverse group of people from different cultures with different childrearing
beliefs and practices, future handbooks focusing on different cultural groups are needed
in order to help American preschool teachers to serve families of different cultures.
__________________________________, Committee Chair
Christi Cervantes, Ph.D.
__________________________________
Date
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the following individuals who
helped, supported, and guided me in any respect during my quest towards a M.A. degree.
First, I want to give a special “thank you” to my sponsor, Dr. Christi Cervantes,
who guided and supported me from the initial to the final level of the project. Your
suggestions and comments enabled me to develop an understanding of the topic and
develop an informative project.
Second, I want to acknowledge my friend, Jessica Martinez, for reading my drafts
and providing suggestions. Moreover, without your kind words of encouragement, this
project would not have been completed on time.
Third, I want to thank my parents, Ada and Paul, for everything. There is simply
nothing I could do to express my appreciation. You have always influenced me to
become a good parent. I love you!
Fourth, I would also like to show my appreciation to my husband, Ka, who was
always there when needed. Thank you for your many words of encouragement and other
acts of support.
Lastly, I want to thank my son, AA. Thank you for being understanding when
mommy could not play with you outside and nap with you because I was working on my
project. Your big hugs and kisses lifted me up and reminded me to complete this project
on time.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ vi
Chapter
1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................1
Statement of the Problem .........................................................................................1
Significance of the Project .......................................................................................2
Purpose of the Project ..............................................................................................7
Methodology ............................................................................................................8
Organization of the Project ....................................................................................10
2. LITERATURE REVIEW ..............................................................................................12
Cultural Diversity in American Preschools ...........................................................14
Conceptual Framework for the Project ..................................................................16
Parents’ Childrearing Goals in Cross-Cultural Perspective ...................................23
Preschool Education in Cross-Cultural Perspective ..............................................29
3. METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................44
Targeted Audience .................................................................................................45
Procedure for Developing the Handbook ..............................................................45
Organization of the Handbook ...............................................................................48
Role of the Researcher ...........................................................................................49
vii
4. DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSION ................................51
Discussion ..............................................................................................................51
Limitations of the Project.......................................................................................55
Recommendations ..................................................................................................57
Conclusion .............................................................................................................59
Appendix. A Handbook for American Preschool Teachers who work with Chinese
Immigrant Children and Families ......................................................................................60
References ..........................................................................................................................97
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