"I'm a Tool!" A Japanese Immigrant Educator's Funds of Knowledge at an Icelandic Preschool

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Language and Literacy in Self-Sudy

Abstract

This narrative self-study explores how I use my cultural resources as a Japanese immigrant educator when I work at an Icelandic preschool. While investigating the concept of funds of knowledge, I recall my interaction with Maria, a senior preschool educator who taught me the value of the personal resources. Data source are my reflective journal and reflective short stories. I use metaphors to develop the understanding of my surroundings and transformation of myself. Findings show that my awareness towards cultural resources is influenced by Maria as she often refers herself as a tool. Looking at Maria as a role model, I try to find my language skills as a significant resource that I strategically utilize in a different educational context.

Author

• Megumi Nishida, University of Iceland