Cultivated Abilities

To quote Eisner, “What we are able to see or hear is a product of cultivated abilities.  The rewards and insights provided by aesthetically shaped forms are available only to those who can perceive them.  [the quality of form will differ from individual to individual]”.  This quote made me think dealing with multicultural families and how the individuals perceive the same information differently because of the different exposures that we have had.  I often work with families so that they can work on their student’s therapy activities at home.  The culture I create when dealing with families of students needs to be open and inviting.  After studying the NDCE, I have felt that I need to take on a stronger role of being the expert and being more persuasive and manipulative with my presentations, in order to be more artful and have a greater connection.  So for a moment these two things seemed conflicting.  That is, being open and inviting and being a persuasive expert.  So how do I find what is the best method when dealing with families of different cultures that may not have the same values as me?  To paraphrase my WOA interviewee, [the themes that drive us are ancient, lasting and life giving.  Bring in a new way of expressing it to create a wow factor].  Most of the information that I present to the family should be familiar, sound and revered, and then mix in something new for that “wow” factor.   This makes sense, I can still be the persuasive expert in appropriate doses.  I do not need to overwhelm a family with tasks that they should be doing at home.