Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Arab American Children’s Early Home Learning Experiences

Ahmad, Jamal F.

Abstract Details

2011, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education.

This multiple case study aimed to characterize the home learning environments of six Arab American families who had at least one child of kindergarten age to understand parents’ perspectives about their roles in their children’s early learning experiences and in preparing their children for entry into U.S. schools. Data included interviews, an oral survey, field notes about home observations and samples of the children’s writing and drawings. The findings revealed that the Arab American homes were rich environments where parents provided many educational resources and materials. Parents reported that their young children learn about their heritage, including language, religion, family and cultural values, customs and traditions. Analyses revealed that among the case study families, both recent immigrant families and families who have been in the United States for a long time provided the same levels of support in their children’s learning and development.

A cross-case analysis revealed that parents do not view their roles as teachers, nor do they only emphasize teaching skills that will be needed for school. Parents defined their roles as preparing their young children to adapt socially in the school environment and in life as a whole. They reported focusing on their children’s emotional development, teaching them how to enjoy school and respect their teachers and classmates. Although they teach Arabic and English alphabets and numbers to their children, the parents said that they emphasize obeying rules and overcoming the fear of meeting new friends, regarding these skills as important as academic skills. Parents reported that they expect teachers at school to teach their children manners and safety issues as well as the basic academic subjects. The parents also expressed wanting teachers to know their children’s personalities, weaknesses, and strengths. They said that they do not want teachers to assume their children are proficient in English.

This study provides information for teachers and educators to better understand the emphasis Arab American parents place on social and emotional readiness, over academic readiness, with their young children.

Susanna Hapgood (Committee Chair)
207 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ahmad, J. F. (2011). Arab American Children’s Early Home Learning Experiences [Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1321118162

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ahmad, Jamal. Arab American Children’s Early Home Learning Experiences. 2011. University of Toledo, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1321118162.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ahmad, Jamal. "Arab American Children’s Early Home Learning Experiences." Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1321118162

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)