Emily Francis, a dedicated ESL teacher in North Carolina, understands the struggles that immigrant parents face when it comes to engaging with their children’s education. As a child of immigrant parents herself, she knows firsthand the challenges that arise when cultural differences clash with the expectations of the American school system. Parents like her own mother, who work tirelessly to provide for their families, often find it difficult to participate in school events and meetings due to their demanding schedules.
In her experience working with newcomer students, Francis emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging for both students and their families. She believes that by bringing parents into the school community, educators can bridge the gap between home and school, ultimately leading to student success.
Building Connections Through Shared Visions
One of the strategies Francis has found effective in engaging newcomer parents is to ask them to write down their visions for their children. This simple activity allows parents to reflect on their hopes and dreams for their kids, providing insight into their values and aspirations. By involving parents in this way, Francis has seen an increase in communication and engagement between parents and their children.
According to Francis, many immigrant parents may not be accustomed to actively participating in their child’s education due to cultural norms. Understanding these differences is crucial in order to build trust and overcome misperceptions. By acknowledging and respecting the cultural practices of newcomer families, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
MarÃa, a parent who recently immigrated to the U.S., struggled initially to navigate the school system due to language barriers. Despite these challenges, she has found support and encouragement from teachers like Francis, who have welcomed her with open arms. Through their guidance and assistance, MarÃa and her children have adapted to their new environment and are thriving in school.
Strengthening Relationships Through Engagement
Regular communication and engagement with parents are essential for student success, especially for families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Francis organizes family engagement nights to provide parents with guidance on school expectations and to foster connections within the school community. By meeting parents where they are and offering flexible engagement options, schools can build meaningful relationships with families.
Breaking bread together, sharing cultural traditions, and playing games are all ways in which Francis engages with parents on a personal level. By creating opportunities for parents to connect with each other and with teachers, she is able to build trust and rapport that ultimately benefit the students. Utilizing communication tools like ParentSquare, which translates messages into over 100 languages, helps to bridge the language barrier and ensure that all families feel included and informed.
In conclusion, engaging newcomer parents in their child’s education requires a combination of empathy, cultural awareness, and proactive communication. By recognizing the unique challenges that immigrant families face and by offering support and resources to help them navigate the school system, educators can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. As Emily Francis aptly puts it, breaking assumptions and building meaningful connections with parents is key to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
