Thoughts about Conferences with ESL Parents

Last week Thursday we had parent-teacher conferences. My student teacher and I were sitting at our table in the gym. Signing sheet ready, pens ready, mentally prepared, elementary conference times next to us; we were ready for parents.

My first elementary parent did not arrive. I was just walking back to the gym when another mother in her very broken English asked me, "I miss my son bus. Where he now?"  Another father sitting nearby was able to interpret and help us communicate with the mother. Our bus coordinator came and I was free to get back to the gym again.

A few moments to relax, chat about test scores, and then we saw the smiles coming our way. Five children with their foster father approached. They were so happy! And I was so happy to tell their foster father how hard the children are all working to learn English. These are the children that break my heart (because they have lost so much in their young lives), but also restore my faith in the goodness of people.

Time to run (actually walk fast) to the elementary building again. I walk to the end of the building, no parents yet. I walk to the other end to see if another set of parents has arrived. They haven't, but I find a mother who needs an interpreter. Some more walking for me as I locate the right person to assist her. My step counter really rejoiced on conference day.

Finally everything starts working, and I am able to attend a few conferences in a row. I am amazed with one of our elementary teachers; she's so good at talking with ESL parents.She can say enough with a few simple words. We talked about practicing how to write letters or how to help with simple addition at home. Few parents left with additional work that their children could/should be doing at home--work that parents can supervise even if they don't speak English.

At the end of the evening, one of my 5th grade parents came to see me. I saw her coming, and knew right away this was going to be interesting. Her son, A., came last year from Iraq. He made so much progress last year. Now A's mother wants to know if I could give him extra work in math and English so that he could learn even faster. (Inside I am thinking, couldn't this mother give some advice for my high school parents??? You know what I mean?) We talked for a long time as she was my last parent. I was right, the conversation was so interesting that we decided we need to continue it at another time.  I could only wish that all my parents would be like her: doing everything they can to make sure that their child is learning regardless of their own English proficiency level.

All in all, great evening spent in the company of wonderful people! I am so proud of every parent who came as it takes courage to come when you are not sure if the teachers will understand you or are willing to take the time to speak with you in a way that you will understand.