Katherine Marinaro and Brittany Mayer

EDUC 357
November 30, 2011

Multicultural Interview
Interview 1:
4th grade boy
1. Who lives with you at home? Where were they born?
My mom, dad, and 15 year-old brother. My dad is in the army and just returned home.
My parents were born in the US.
2. Do you have a pet?
No.
3. What do you like to read?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
4. What is your favorite subject?
Math, Social Studies, and Writing
5. Do you get help with homework?
My dad or my mom if they have time. If they are working, my brother helps me.
6. What do you like best about yourself?
My height.
7. What do you like to eat?
Pizza, rice and chicken
8. How do you get to school?
I walk with my friends.
9. What do you do on weekends? After school?
I go to the movies, play video games, go outside, and do my homework.
10. Do you celebrate any holidays?
Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter

11. Do you speak another language?

Spanish and I tried to research Russian on the computer. My mom is fluent in Spanish but
usually speaks English at home.
12. What tv shows and/or movies do you watch?
SpongeBob, Resident Evil, and horror movies.
13. What music do you like to listen to?
Eminem
14. What/who do you want to be when you grow up?
A photographer.

Interview 2:
2nd grade girl
1. Who lives with you at home? Where were they born?
My mom and dad. They were both born in India
2. Do you have a pet?
No. If I could have one I would want a rabbit.
3. What do you like to read?
Magic Treehouse books
4. What is your favorite subject?
Writing and Reading
5. Do you get help with homework?
My mom helps me.
6. What do you like best about yourself?
Im pretty.
7. What do you like to eat?
Pizza, hot dogs, and crackers.

8. How do you get to school?

I take the school bus.
9. What do you do on weekends? After school?
I go to Girl Scouts, the reading center at Lehman College, and golf lessons on Fridays. I
go to the park on Saturdays and I go to Kumon, which is an extra help program for
reading and math.
10. Do you celebrate any holidays?
Diwali, Christmas, and Thanksgiving
11. Do you speak another language?
No.
12. What tv shows and/or movies do you watch?
Cyber Chase, Electric Company, and Maya and Miguel. I also like to watch US sports
like volleyball and figure skating.
13. What music do you like to listen to?
Black Eyed Peas and Michael Jackson
14. What/who do you want to be when you grow up?
The first lady president, a scientist, 2nd grade teacher, lawyer, or guidance counselor. My
parents are both architects, and my dad is also a photographer.

Brittany Mayer
Interview Conclusion
28 November 2011

When looking for two students, one from the United States and one born in a different
country, was shockingly difficult in such a diverse city. I student teach at P.S. 7 in Kingsbridge.
Since I had recently began my second placement I figured between my previous 4th grade class
and my present 2nd grade class I was bound to have a student that was born in a different country.
By my surprise when asking both classrooms not one student was born in a different country,
however, there were several students with parents that were born elsewhere. I chose the
American student from the 4th grade classroom and the immigrant child from my 2nd grade
classroom.
Since the human race has evolved, the more the cultures have mixed and intertwined. It is
more difficult to find a full on American student in comparison to a child with a different
background. Even the child selected to represent the American student role had family from
the Dominican Republic. This student was a good symbol of an American student because
both parents were born in the United States. Especially in the New York City Public School
System it is more typical to find students with a Spanish background. This student celebrates the
American holidays and appears to live a mainstream lifestyle. His interests are standard for a
4th grade boy (video games, movies, hanging out with friends outside). He seems to have good
support at home from his family. His father is in the army so he isnt always around, however,
since I was his student teacher I had noticed that the family was very involved and remained in

constant contact with the teacher. This student enjoyed very Americanized foods, such as, pizza.
Chicken and rice could possibly come from his Dominican descent.
As for the immigrant child we chose a girl from our 2nd grade class. Both her parents
were born in India. I felt she was a good representation because she had followed traditions from
her culture. She celebrated different holidays, such as, Diwali, which is an Indian holiday. Her
favorite food didnt seem to be influenced by her Indian lineage. She seems to be very involved
in her schoolwork, getting help at home, as well as, being provided extra help on the weekends.
This could be encouraged by her family which may correlate with the Indian culture and the
value they place on education. If so it has made a difference, this child is in a gifted and talented
classroom and is very intelligent. She seems to have a lot of goals for herself which shows her
determination and will help her further her success.
While conducting this interview I wasnt able to point out any rigid differences between
the two students. Since the American background has been blended with other cultures and
backgrounds and American isnt a uniform person anymore. The notion of an American has
been broadened and diversified. Each and every student is unique and different and has many
things to offer. Their cultural background and family situations play a role and impact the
students lives; however, the student isnt solely based on those two factors.