The document discusses ways to make parents from different cultural backgrounds feel more comfortable helping their children with literacy development. Person 1 responds that it is important to get to know families, their cultures, and expectations. Communication between families, teachers, and students is key. Interpreters can help with language barriers. Technology like iPads can translate directions. Person 2 says open communication about classroom goals and helping students progress is important. Parents should be reminded that teachers and families are a team in students' success. ESL resources can help parents learn English.

1. DISCUSSION The initial task was to answer the following: Some...
DISCUSSION
The initial task was to answer the following: Some parents feel threatened by school since
they have different cultural backgrounds, limited literacy ability, and/or speak another
language. What would you d0 as a teacher to make these parents more comfortable so that
they would be willing and able to help their children with their literacy development?
What must be done now is to respond to 2 people with a minimum of 100 w0rds. What
would you reply to him?
Person 1 (CHATERINE) Answer:
I understand this situation and I have actually had this situation in the classroom. It is
really important that we meet with our families and get to know them, their culture, and I
think ask them what type of expectations they are looking for from the school.
With respect to the limited literacy ability, which I think goes along with speaking another
language, sometimes the students speak better english, or possibly a older sibling, than the
parents so they can all come in together to have a conversation. Or sometimes bring in a
friend, to help with the language barrier. In our town we have a International Institute and
you can call them and they can have an interpreter come in to help in the language barrier.
So what is most important is to make sure there is open communication between the
families, the school, the teacher and the students so that everyone has a understanding of
what is expected from the student and what the families are looking for from the school.
Also helping the families understand that they will have an Aide or someone to help the
student as they do their work, with someone that assists those students that have English as
their second language. Additionally, making sure all teachers, staff, etc. in the school that
has any interaction with that student knows that they have English as their second
language, as this is important to the staff and the student.
I know we also have iPad programs that can help the students with language issues, where
you could type in some directions and it could be translated to their language, in those
situations where it was needed.
Also always keep in mind those culture differences that can occur that I have shared in the
past. The more we know about their culture the better we can help them in the classroom.
Person 2 ( VERA) Answer:
As a parent myself, I want all the parents of my students to feel heard, seen, and supported.
Since I live in Houston, TX and there are several different languages spoken here with a

2. variety of cultures. So in order for my student's parents to feel comfortable having open
lines of communication. Then in the communication express the goals in the classroom and
that my only goal is to teach language, grammar, and math skills. That will prepare them for
the world around them and help the child progress through life. Even help the students
translate for their parents.
I will do weekly updates on what is being taught in the class and encourage parents to talk
about what they learned in school with their children. Lastly, remind the parents that we
are a team in their child's success. Also, I will give information to ESL families to help them
find resources to help them learn English. We are part of a community and support each
other in any way we can.