How do you communicate with parents who can not speak English?

Question

This one is for the teachers. And parents also how can you be involved with your childs school work if you can't understand anything?

Answer 1

Often you can trust the student to tell the parents what you are trying to communicate. If it is a serious problem then I suggest you try to find someone who can communicate for you.

We have a student who is from Mexico and has been discovered as having learning disabilities. I am working with the school psychologist to translate. He told me that he once had a chinese student with the same problem and was not able to find a translator.

Often the people who are here and do not speak English are working all together (like in a restaurant). I know that is stereotypical, but it is often true. Maybe you can tell the kid to have the parent bring in someone that they work with who also speaks English. There are always some that speak good English.

Answer 2

I had this problem driving a school bus ,giving pick up times and field trip info,teachers that ask me when I drop off to relay a message or get a permission slip signed.I learned a little Spanish,and ask the kids to be the middle man and translate.For parent teacher things ,there was always at least one teacher or the school nurse that spoke Spanish.One sad case I saw was a little girl I baby sat that ask me to sign her assignment book ,she wasn't allowed recess until papers were signed .She told me her mom didn't understand and couldn't help her with homework .I took a look at her papers and it was the whole years worth ,In a manila envelope and the child missed every field trip and recess.

Answer 3

our district contracts out translation work...a teacher emails a letter in English to the ESL Coodinator who forwards it to the translator then the Coodinator emails the translated version back to the teacher...turn around is less that 24 hours...for Spanish translations. having more trouble with Arabic translation but working on it.

Answer 4

Good question, I think they have to learn to speak English to get along in this country.

Answer 5

I consider that talking it'll exhibit attempt, nevertheless be certain you employ the "usted" variety to be respectful. Before I knew Spanish, I dated a Mexican lady and her loved ones helped me be taught extra Spanish. They additionally labored with me on it, and like it whilst I could attempt to speak to them. She can consistently translate if support is wanted. You can atleast say "Hola. Como esta?" proper?