6 Tips for Engaging the Families of English Language Learners
Edutopia:
11 .25.2019 by Louise El Yaafouri
The
most impactful plans for student growth engage not only the learner but also
his or her family. In fact, research points to parents and caretakers as
invaluable stakeholders in students’ academic achievement. Unfortunately,
parents who are new to English are often left out of family engagement at the
school level to some degree. How can we do a better job of appealing to and
including the parents of English language learners (ELLs) as valuable members
of the school community?
Here
are six keys to successfully engaging ELL parents and families.
1.
MAKE IT RECIPROCAL
Engagement
is a partnership between the parents and the school to serve the best interests
of students.
2.
AIM FOR AUTHENTICITY
Efforts
to engage diverse parent groups must be authentic and meaningful.
3.
USE A CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE APPROACH
Where
do families’ deeply rooted cultural values show up in the school? How do
parents’ cultural perspectives drive expectations for parent engagement?
4.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Communication
is essential to successful parent engagement efforts. We should aim for clarity
in all of our exchanges with parents, especially those who are still new to
English.
5.
INCREASE CAPACITY
Grow
English learner caretakers as leaders in the school community by providing a
range of low-risk opportunities for parent input, feedback, and cultural
sharing. Here are some ideas:
6.
FIND YOUR WAY HOME
In
building and nurturing relationships with ELL families, the value of teacher
home visits cannot be understated: READ
MORE >>
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