A useful and comprehensive curriculum, from English for New Bostonians, for adult English language learners with kids in school.
Is your learner a parent with children in local schools? If communicating in English is something they struggle with, then you might be worried about your learner's ability to talk with teachers, and even their children, about what's going on in the classroom.
Think about how many English words and ideas are specific to the classroom and school that someone from another country might not understand. Do they know how to read a report card? Do they know what MCAS is? Do they know how to tell the school their kid is sick and can't come in? For parents to make sure their children are doing well in class, they have to understand what is going on there.
English for New Bostonians has a list of resources to help parents understand the school system. This includes school policies, attendance, standardized tests, report cards, and homework.
ENGLISH AT LARGE
Literacy and Learning for Life
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Is your learner a parent with children in local schools? If communicating in English is something they struggle with, then you might be worried about your learner's ability to talk with teachers, and even their children, about what's going on in the classroom.
Think about how many English words and ideas are specific to the classroom and school that someone from another country might not understand. Do they know how to read a report card? Do they know what MCAS is? Do they know how to tell the school their kid is sick and can't come in? For parents to make sure their children are doing well in class, they have to understand what is going on there.
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| From: http://www.maine.gov/education/images/parent%20teacher.jpg |
This list also includes information for tutors -- what is important for parents to know and what about our school systems they might not understand. For example, expectations for parents' involvement in their children's academics are not always the same. Not all countries expect parents to be as involved in students' schoolwork as in the United States; the idea of "parents as partners" is not universal. Explain this to your learner so they know what their role in their children's education is expected to be.
If you know your learner is a parent, ask them if they have any concerns about helping their kids with school work or talking to teachers. Come up with a list of vocabulary words that might be useful. Have practice conversations where you pretend to be the teacher. This topic can serve as a great and practical lesson opportunity.
Happy Tutoring!
Natalie Howard
Washington University in St. Louis, Class of 2017
Natalie Howard
Washington University in St. Louis, Class of 2017
ENGLISH AT LARGE
Literacy and Learning for Life
Join the conversation
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