Case
Communicating with parents who have limited english proficiency

Hello there,


I will be starting my internships in a few months, and I am curious as to how I should communicate with my students' parents who have limited english proficiency. Also, how often should I communicate with them?

Solution #1
I would get into contact with the ESE teacher and/or translator to share your questions and concerns with them in hopes of receiving assistance, resources, etc. I would then consider meeting with the parents, either at their home or at school, where you can discuss preferred means of communication, as well as learn if there are any questions and/or concerns on their part. There are also great programs on your phone and computer that can assist with translating.
Solution #2
You should communicate with these parents as often as necessary or as often as you would all other parents. It's critical to establish your relationship with them and your student early and maintain it throughout the term so they feel included. Communicate via written or visual communication that can be translated, when appropriate. If you need to discuss a delicate or serious matter, you may want to enlist the help of a translator to ensure you're on the same page.
Solution #3
A good way is to have communication with the ESOL teacher so she or he can help you translate if they are able to speak the same language. Having a dictionary is another good source and google translate in your laptop ready to go. This will allow both of you to communicate back and forth.

The use of programs can be helpful to translate when needed.

Solution #4
Communicate patiently with them. They know that their English is not excellent, so any facilitation in helping them overcome their difficulties will most likely be appreciated in some way. Remember to treat them kindly, and not raise your voice. Applications like google translate can help get the point/purpose across, however take caution in writing in languages that you your self cannot read; writing can be misinterpreted/lost in translation.
Solution #5
It will be helpful to use the ESOL resources that are in your school already. They may be able to help you provide weekly newsletters and emails in the Native language of those parents, which will not only help them understand classroom expectations, but will make them feel included in their child’s education. If your school provides a translator during parent-teacher conferences, that is ideal too. Putting your best foot forward and using the resources available to you to make sure that information is equally accessible to these parents is incredibly helpful. Depending on your own teaching philosophy, the amount of communication with parents will differ. For me, I think weekly to biweekly updates are definitely ideal!
Solution #6
I think you should use your school/programs ELL services to your advantages. Be aware of what they offer. Translations may be available!
Solution #7
I think using a translator would be the best way to go. It is very important that both parties understand clearly what is trying to be communicated.

I agree the interpreter is the best option in order avoid any misunderstandings due to the language barrier. However, the interpreter doesn't have to a be a staff member from the ESOL department. It could be a paraprofessional, the social worker, another teacher, or the school psychologist whom speak the same language as the parents. Google translate should be avoided because a lot of times Google translate translates a piece of writing incorrectly.

Solution #8
Also, communicate as often as necessary with the parents.
Solution #9
I would recommend finding someone who could help translate for you. My mother works in an elementary school and she often translates for other teachers/ faculty during meetings and conference night!